Shield AI
Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities (R5339)
San Mateo, California · Senior · Full-time · Posted Sep 1, 2026
- Experience
- Typically 5 years with a Bachelor’s degree; 4 years with a Master’s degree; 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
- Education
- BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience.
About the job
Designs, integrates, and tests tactical autonomy capabilities for unmanned systems, including planning, decision-making, multi-agent coordination, and hybrid classical/learning-based behaviors.
What you'll do
- Develop and test high-performance autonomy software and behavior architectures for complex missions.
- Integrate and deploy autonomy capabilities on real platforms; participate in field tests and analyze mission data.
- Collaborate across teams and contribute research, prototypes, and program adaptations to the autonomy roadmap.
What they ask for
- Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar, or equivalent practical experience.
- Programming proficiency in C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
- Significant background in robotics areas such as control systems, motion planning, optimization, tactical behaviors, or distributed decision-making; experience with unmanned systems and simulation tools.
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance or higher.
Nice to have
- Experience across aerospace domains and methodologies spanning classical control, optimization, and applied ML/RL.
- Background in collaborative behaviors or swarm robotics; experience with government programs or integration events is also valued.
Tools
C++, Python, RTOS, AFSIM, NGTS, ML/RL
AI focus
Develops tactical autonomy, blending classical autonomy and machine learning methods such as reinforcement learning for robust, adaptive behavior.
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