Shield AI
Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5208)
$195K–$293K
Washington, D.C. +2 · On-site · Staff · Full-time · Posted Jun 8, 2026
- Location
- Washington, D.C.
San Diego, California
Boston, Massachusetts - 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
Develop, integrate, validate, and field autonomy software on unmanned platforms, while leading a small technical team and coordinating with internal teams and external partners.
What you'll do
- Lead autonomy software development and platform integration from design through field delivery, including mission-ready system validation and live test support.
- Set technical direction for a feature crew or sub-program, mentor engineers, and coordinate with autonomy, perception, and external integration partners.
- Own interface contracts, design reviews, debugging, mission-data follow-up, and improvements to integration and testing processes.
What they ask for
- BS/MS in a listed engineering or computer science discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
- Typically 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; 5 years with a Master’s degree; 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
- Proficiency in C++ and Linux-based development, with experience in real-time or latency-sensitive systems and embedded systems.
- Hands-on unmanned/autonomous system field-test support; simulation experience; technical leadership, mentoring, and interface-contract/ICD experience; ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Nice to have
- Python proficiency; experience with unmanned systems, autonomy stacks, platform integration, or field campaigns.
- Experience with container orchestration, autopilot stacks, C2 standards, build systems, CI/CD, or government simulation environments.
Pay
USD 195,200–292,800 per-year-salary; base salary
Tools
C++, Linux, DDS, k3s, k3d, Python, Docker, PX4
AI focus
Develop and integrate autonomy software for unmanned platforms, including mission behaviors, platform-specific control, multi-agent coordination, contingencies, and executive autonomy.
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