Shield AI
Senior Staff Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities (R4587)
$281K–$421K
San Mateo, California · On-site · 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.
About the job
Design, implement, integrate, and test autonomy capabilities for unmanned platforms, including tactical behaviors, planning, and multi-agent coordination.
What you'll do
- Develop and test autonomy algorithms and high-performance software for mission planning, decision-making, and behavior execution.
- Integrate autonomy solutions with real-world platforms; support deployments, flight tests, and mission-data analysis.
- Research and prototype algorithms, collaborate across engineering teams, and adapt capabilities to program and customer needs.
What they ask for
- Degree in a listed engineering or computer science 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 and environments; ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Nice to have
- Experience applying ML/RL techniques in autonomy pipelines.
- Experience with collaborative or swarm behaviors, tactical behaviors, cross-domain vehicles, flight demonstrations, or UCI and OMS Standards.
Pay
USD 280,512–420,768 per-year-salary (base salary)
Tools
C++, Python, RTOS, AFSIM, NGTS, UCI, OMS Standards
AI focus
Blend classical autonomy with machine learning, including reinforcement learning, to create robust adaptive behaviors; research and prototype autonomy algorithms.
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