Shield AI
Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Emerging Domains (R5401)
Washington, D.C. · Staff · Full-time · Posted Sep 17, 2026
- Experience
- Typically requires 7+ years of relevant experience.
- Education
- BS/MS in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience.
- Visa sponsorship
- Must be able to obtain a SECRET clearance.
About the job
Leads end-to-end development, integration, testing, and deployment of autonomy software for emerging-domain platforms such as space, maritime, and contested-logistics systems.
What you'll do
- Lead technical delivery of autonomy capabilities on new platforms, combining existing solutions with platform-specific development.
- Coordinate platform interfaces, architecture, hardware/software integration, validation, and operational deployment with engineering teams and partners.
- Provide technical leadership during live tests and missions, mentor engineers, and drive improvements from mission analysis.
What they ask for
- BS/MS in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience.
- Expert C++ and Linux development experience.
- Experience leading complex autonomy or systems integration efforts and influencing technical direction across engineering teams.
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Nice to have
- Experience with autonomous aircraft, maritime, or space systems; or standing up autonomy on new platforms.
- Experience with UCI, OMS, STANAG 4586, or comparable interoperability standards.
Tools
C++, Linux, HivemindSDK, UCI, OMS, STANAG 4586
AI focus
Develops and integrates autonomy software, including mission behaviors, platform-specific control, multi-agent coordination, contingencies, and executive autonomy.
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