Shield AI

Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities – Space (R5338)

$160K–$240K

Boston, Massachusetts +3 · On-site · Senior · Full-time · Posted Aug 5, 2026

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Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Washington, D.C.
San Diego, California
Dallas, Texas
Experience: Typically, at least 5 years related experience 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

Develop and deploy autonomy software for space applications, including satellites and missile defense, from algorithm design through integration and operational testing.

What you'll do

Develop optimization, tasking, scheduling, target-assignment, motion-planning, and cooperative-behavior capabilities for space missions.
Build, test, and integrate high-performance autonomy software onto real-world platforms, and support deployment and mission-log analysis.
Research and prototype algorithms, contribute to autonomy roadmaps, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

What they ask for

Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a similar field, or equivalent practical experience.
Proficiency in C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
Significant background in one or more robotic technology areas, such as control systems, motion planning, optimization, tactical behaviors, or distributed decision-making.
Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance or higher.

Nice to have

Experience across multiple aerospace domains, or breadth across classical control, optimization, and applied ML/RL.
Background in collaborative behaviors or swarm robotics.

Pay

USD 160,000–240,000 (per-year-salary) base salary

Tools

C++, Python, RTOS, AFSIM, NGTS

AI focus

Develop autonomy capabilities using optimization, planning, tasking and scheduling, track fusion, and tactical behaviors for satellites, space vehicles, and missile defense applications.

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