Shield AI
Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5208)
Washington, D.C. · Staff · Full-time · Posted Sep 17, 2026
- Experience
- Typically 7 years with a Bachelor’s degree; 5 years with a Master’s degree; 4 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, integrates, validates, and fields autonomy software on unmanned platforms, while leading a small technical team through capability design and delivery.
What you'll do
- Develop and field autonomy software, owning integration, configuration, validation, and mission readiness across hardware and software.
- Lead a feature crew or sub-program, set technical direction, mentor engineers, and coordinate with internal teams and external partners.
- Support live tests and mission operations; troubleshoot systems, capture data, and drive improvements into subsequent builds.
What they ask for
- BS/MS in a related engineering or computer science field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Proficiency in C++ and Linux-based development, including embedded systems and real-time or latency-sensitive systems.
- Typically 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; 5 years with a Master’s; 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Nice to have
- Proficiency in Python; experience with container orchestration such as k3s, k3d, or Docker.
- Experience with unmanned systems, hardware-in-the-loop debugging, platform control/autopilot stacks, or C2 standards.
Tools
C++, Linux, DDS, Python, k3s, k3d, Docker, A-GRA
AI focus
Develops and integrates autonomy software for unmanned platforms, including mission behaviors, platform-specific control, multi-agent coordination, contingencies, and executive autonomy.
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