Shield AI
Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities – Space (R5360)
Washington, D.C. · Senior Staff · Full-time · Posted Sep 23, 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.
- Visa sponsorship
- Must be able to obtain a SECRET clearance.
About the job
Leads the technical direction and development of autonomy capabilities for satellites and missile-defense applications, from algorithm research through integration and deployment on real-world platforms.
What you'll do
- Develop distributed optimization, task allocation, scheduling, weapons-target assignment, and motion-planning capabilities for coordinated space missions.
- Build and integrate high-performance, well-tested autonomy software; support deployment, testing, and mission-log analysis on space vehicles.
- Guide portfolio technical direction, mentor engineers, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute research and autonomy roadmaps.
What they ask for
- BS/MS in a listed or similar engineering or computer-science field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Typically 10 years related experience with a Bachelor’s degree, 9 years with a Master’s degree, 7 years with a PhD, or equivalent work experience.
- Proficiency in C++ and Python; familiarity with RTOS; significant robotics and unmanned-systems experience; experience with simulation tools such as AFSIM or NGTS.
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Nice to have
- Experience across multiple aerospace domains and methodologies including classical control, optimization, and applied ML/RL.
- Background in collaborative behaviors or swarm robotics; experience with government programs or hands-on integration and live exercises.
Tools
C++, Python, RTOS, AFSIM, NGTS, ML/RL
AI focus
Develops autonomy for satellites and missile-defense systems, including optimization, automated tasking and scheduling, track fusion, motion and behavior planning, and cooperative or adversarial decision-making.
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