Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration

Shield AI
Washington, San Diego, Boston
Workplace: OnsiteFull timeUSD 160,000 - 240,000 annuallyFunction: Software EngineeringExperience: 5+ yearsEducation: bachelorsSkills: ["Communication","Problem-solving","Leadership"]

Develop and integrate autonomy software for unmanned platforms, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver mission-critical functionality end-to-end—from software-in-the-loop to live test exercises, across air, maritime, space, or effects/expendables.

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FursaFursa
Shield AI
Shield AI
2 months ago

Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration

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Source: Company careers pageValidated by: Fursa AI
Last checked: 5 minutes agoStatus: Live

Job Summary

Develop and integrate autonomy software for unmanned platforms, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver mission-critical functionality end-to-end—from software-in-the-loop to live test exercises, across air, maritime, space, or effects/expendables.
Location: Washington, San Diego, Boston
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Software Engineering
Seniority: Sr. Manager level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Develop autonomy software solutions and integrate them onto unmanned platforms, including payload computer bring-up, container-based deployment, and configuration across onboard compute, sensors, and command-and-control interfaces.
  • •Collaborate with the Autonomy Capabilities and Perception teams, feature crews, and external partners to deliver mission-critical functionality on time.
  • •Own the build, configuration, and validation process for mission-ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility, mission readiness, and release cadence with capability and feature teams.
  • •Travel to test sites and support live mission operations (flight tests, range exercises, on-water trials, integration events), including safety checks, system bring-up, and troubleshooting under time-critical constraints.
  • •Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy stacks, payload computers, and embedded systems in lab and field environments; profile memory, CPU, and timing.
Travel: Medium travel

Pay and Benefits

Salary: USD 160,000 - 240,000 annually
Equity and Bonus:Equity
Perks:EquityAnnual Bonus

Key Requirements

  • •BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
  • •Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 4 years and a Master’s degree; or 2 years with a PhD; or 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, ActiveMQ).
Experience:5+ yearsUnmanned systemsAutonomyDefenseAerospace
Education:Bachelor's
Skills:CommunicationProblem-solvingLeadership
Tech Stack:C++PythonLinuxDDSActiveMQDockerKubernetesK3sK3dPX4ArduPilot

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