Shield AI
Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5395)
$234K–$351K
San Mateo, California · On-site · Staff · Full-time · Posted Sep 1, 2026
- Experience
- Typically 7 years with a Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years with a Master’s degree; or 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
Leads development, integration, validation, and fielding of autonomy software on unmanned platforms, while guiding a small technical team and coordinating with internal teams and external partners.
What you'll do
- Develop and integrate autonomy software, prepare mission-ready systems, and validate them from simulation through hardware and live tests.
- Lead a feature crew or sub-program, set technical direction, mentor engineers, and own technical delivery.
- Coordinate interfaces and standards with capability teams and external partners; support field tests and troubleshoot system issues.
What they ask for
- Proficiency in C++ and experience developing or integrating real-time or latency-sensitive systems.
- Proficiency in Linux-based development, including embedded systems, shell scripting, and diagnostics.
- Hands-on unmanned or autonomous systems field-test support; simulation experience; and demonstrated technical team or capability leadership.
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Nice to have
- Python proficiency for scripting, automation, and analysis.
- Experience with unmanned systems, container orchestration, platform control/autopilot stacks, or C2 standards.
Pay
USD 234,240–351,360 (per-year-salary)
Tools
C++, Linux, Python, DDS, k3s, k3d, Docker, A-GRA
AI focus
Develop and field autonomy software for unmanned platforms, including mission behaviors, platform-specific control, multi-agent coordination, contingencies, and executive autonomy.
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