Shield AI
Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy Behaviors (R5363)
Washington, D.C. · Senior Staff · Full-time · Posted Oct 22, 2026
- Experience
- Typically 10 years with a Bachelor’s degree; 9 years with a Master’s degree; 7 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, implements, integrates, and tests tactical autonomy behaviors for unmanned systems, including multi-agent coordination, across real-world platforms and mission environments.
What you'll do
- Develop and validate planning, decision-making, and behavior software for dynamic and contested missions.
- Integrate autonomy capabilities with cross-functional teams, deploy them to platforms, and participate in field tests and flight demonstrations.
- Analyze mission data and research or prototype algorithms to improve autonomy capabilities.
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 experience in robotics autonomy and unmanned-system technologies, specifically in the air domain; experience with simulation tools such as AFSIM or NGTS.
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Nice to have
- Experience applying ML/RL techniques in autonomy pipelines.
- Background in collaborative behaviors, swarm robotics, or distributed decision-making.
Tools
C++, Python, RTOS, AFSIM, NGTS, UCI, OMS Standards
AI focus
Combines classical autonomy with machine learning, including reinforcement learning, to develop robust adaptive behaviors.
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