Shield AI
Senior Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5193)
$234K–$351K
Washington, D.C. +2 · On-site · Senior Staff · Full-time · Posted Jun 8, 2026
- Location
- Washington, D.C.
San Diego, California
Boston, Massachusetts - 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
Develops and fields autonomy software for unmanned platforms, leading technical direction across programs from integration and validation through live testing.
What you'll do
- Develop, integrate, validate, and troubleshoot autonomy software on unmanned platforms, including field and mission support.
- Set cross-program technical direction and C2 interoperability strategy, and represent the team to leadership, customers, partners, and standards bodies.
- Mentor senior engineers and team leads; drive architecture, documentation, hiring, and engineering process improvements.
What they ask for
- Degree in a listed engineering or computer science field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Typically 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree, 9 with a Master’s, 7 with a PhD, or equivalent work experience.
- Proficiency in C++ and Linux-based development; experience with real-time or latency-sensitive systems and embedded systems.
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Nice to have
- Python proficiency; experience with unmanned systems or field test campaigns.
- Experience with container orchestration, platform control/autopilot stacks, C2 standards, or government simulation environments.
Pay
USD 233,760–350,640 per-year-salary (base salary)
Tools
C++, Linux, Python, DDS, k3s, k3d, A-GRA, UCI
AI focus
Develops and integrates autonomy software for unmanned platforms, including mission behaviors, controls, coordination, and C2 interoperability.
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative