Shield AI
Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities – Space (R5338)
Boston, Massachusetts · Senior · Full-time · Posted Sep 17, 2026
- Experience
- Typically 5 years related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 4 years with a Master’s degree; or 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.
- Visa sponsorship
- Must be able to obtain a SECRET clearance or higher.
About the job
Develops and integrates autonomy software for satellites and missile-defense applications, including planning, optimization, tasking, and coordination capabilities.
What you'll do
- Build and deploy autonomy behaviors, from design through integration and testing on real space vehicles.
- Develop algorithms for distributed optimization, task allocation, scheduling, target assignment, motion planning, and cooperative behaviors.
- Collaborate across engineering teams, support mission-log analysis, and contribute to autonomy research and roadmaps.
What they ask for
- Degree in a listed or similar field, 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; significant experience with unmanned systems.
- Experience with simulation tools and environments; ability to obtain a SECRET clearance or higher.
Nice to have
- Experience across multiple aerospace domains or with classical control, optimization, applied ML/RL, collaborative behaviors, or swarm robotics.
- Familiarity with DoD or government programs, or experience supporting integration events, customer demos, or live exercises.
Tools
C++, Python, RTOS, AFSIM, NGTS, ML/RL
AI focus
Develops autonomy capabilities and algorithms for space vehicles, including distributed decision-making, optimization, planning, and tactical behaviors.
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