Shield AI
Senior Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5402)
San Mateo, California · Senior Staff · Full-time · Posted Sep 1, 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
Develop, integrate, validate, and field autonomy software for unmanned platforms while setting technical direction across multiple programs and supporting live tests.
What you'll do
- Develop and integrate autonomy software; own deployment and validation from simulation through live tests.
- Set technical strategy and common patterns across programs, and lead architecture, interoperability, and cross-team improvements.
- Mentor senior engineers and team leads; coordinate mission readiness, field support, and troubleshooting.
What they ask for
- Degree in a relevant field or equivalent practical experience.
- Proficiency in C++ and Linux-based development, including embedded systems.
- At least 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.
- Experience leading cross-program technical initiatives through fielded delivery, supporting unmanned-system tests, and ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Nice to have
- Proficiency in Python.
- Experience with unmanned systems, autonomy stacks, container orchestration, platform-control systems, or C2 standards.
Tools
C++, Linux, DDS, Python, k3s, k3d, Docker, A-GRA
AI focus
Develop and field autonomy software for unmanned platforms, including mission behaviors, platform-specific control, multi-agent coordination, and executive autonomy.
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