Senior Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration

Shield AI
Washington
Workplace: OnsiteFull timeUSD 228,000 - 342,000 annuallyFunction: Software EngineeringExperience: 7+ yearsEducation: mastersSkills: ["Leadership","Communication","Mentorship","Teamwork","Problem-solving"]

Lead and implement autonomous pilot integration software across unmanned platforms, shaping technical direction for multiple programs, mentoring senior engineers, and driving end-to-end development from software-in-the-loop to field deployment. Collaborate with Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, and external partners to ensure robust, mission-ready autonomy stacks and standards compliance, including C2 interoperability and test-driven improvements.

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FursaFursa
Shield AI
Shield AI
2 months ago

Senior Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration

✓ Verified Job

Canonical indexed version, validated from employer's careers page.

Source: Company careers pageValidated by: Fursa AI
Last checked: 12 hours agoStatus: Live

Job Summary

Lead and implement autonomous pilot integration software across unmanned platforms, shaping technical direction for multiple programs, mentoring senior engineers, and driving end-to-end development from software-in-the-loop to field deployment. Collaborate with Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, and external partners to ensure robust, mission-ready autonomy stacks and standards compliance, including C2 interoperability and test-driven improvements.
Location: Washington
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Software Engineering
Seniority: Sr. Manager level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Develop and field autonomy software onto unmanned platforms, including payload bring-up and container-based deployment; own technical direction across related programs and drive reference implementations
  • •Set the technical direction across multiple programs; anticipate stack evolution and align with engineering leadership; maintain outward status
  • •Mentor senior engineers and team leads; influence cross-functional engineers and shape career progression
  • •Drive cross-functional design reviews and architecture documentation; publish decisions to inform multiple teams
  • •Own build, configuration, and validation processes for mission-ready systems and coordinate hardware/software compatibility and release cadence
Travel: Low travel

Pay and Benefits

Salary: USD 228,000 - 342,000 annually
Perks:Health Insurance401kEquityRemote WorkPaid Leave

Key Requirements

  • •BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent practical experience; typically 7+ years with PhD or 9+ years with MS/7+ with PhD equivalent work experience
  • •Proficiency in C++, with experience developing or integrating real-time or latency-sensitive systems
  • •Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics
  • •Familiarity with middleware, pub-sub, or IPC frameworks used in autonomy or robotics systems (e.g., DDS)
  • •Hands-on experience supporting demos, exercises, or field/mission tests for unmanned or autonomous systems
  • •Experience with autonomy simulation environments for testing and validation
  • •Demonstrated experience leading multiple teams or driving cross-program technical initiatives
  • •Track record as subject-matter expert across engineering on hard, ambiguous problems in unknown solution spaces
  • •Track record of setting forward-looking technical strategy and adjusting course as programs evolve
  • •Track record of mentoring senior engineers and shaping career paths for discipline
Experience:7+ yearsAutonomyRoboticsUnmanned systemsDefense
Education:Master's
Skills:LeadershipCommunicationMentorshipTeamworkProblem-solving
Certifications:SECRET clearance
Languages:English
Tech Stack:C++LinuxEmbedded systemsDDSShell scriptingContainerizationK3sK3d

Eligibility

Security Clearance:Secret

Company Brief

Shield AI
Develops AI-powered autonomy and software for military aircraft and drones to enable autonomous ISR and combat missions, integrating perception, navigation, and mission planning for defense customers.
Industry: Defense Technology
Company Size: Large (251 to 1,000 employees)
Growth: Scaleup
Funding: Series E+
Headquarters: San Diego, United States
Founded: 2015
WebsiteLinkedIn