Shield AI
Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5395)
San Mateo, California · Staff · Full-time · Posted Sep 22, 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 for 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; own its lifecycle from simulation through hardware testing and live missions.
- Lead a feature crew or sub-program, set technical direction, mentor engineers, and coordinate delivery with stakeholders and partners.
- Prepare and validate mission-ready systems, troubleshoot hardware/software issues, and support on-site tests and mission operations.
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 system diagnostics.
- Experience supporting unmanned or autonomous-system demos, exercises, or field/mission tests; experience with autonomy simulation environments.
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Nice to have
- Proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, and analysis.
- Experience with container orchestration on embedded or payload compute, such as k3s, k3d, or Docker.
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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