Senior Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5402)

Shield AI
San Mateo, California
Workplace: OnsiteFull timeUSD 280,512 - 420,768 annuallyFunction: Software EngineeringExperience: 7+ yearsEducation: mastersSkills: ["Mentorship","Technical leadership","Cross-functional collaboration","Rigor","Problem-solving"]

Develop and integrate autonomy software on unmanned platforms across air, maritime, space, and effects/expendables. Own technical direction across multiple autonomy programs by driving shared reference implementations and common patterns, while bridging R&D and field deployment end-to-end (SIL, HIL, VIL, live missions). Lead cross-engineering architecture decisions, mentor senior engineers, improve integration and test reliability, and support on-site mission operations and interoperability standards like A-GRA, UCI, and OMS.

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FursaFursa
Shield AI
Shield AI
4 days ago

Senior Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5402)

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

Source: Company careers pageValidated by: Fursa AI
Last checked: 6 hours agoStatus: Live

Job Summary

Develop and integrate autonomy software on unmanned platforms across air, maritime, space, and effects/expendables. Own technical direction across multiple autonomy programs by driving shared reference implementations and common patterns, while bridging R&D and field deployment end-to-end (SIL, HIL, VIL, live missions). Lead cross-engineering architecture decisions, mentor senior engineers, improve integration and test reliability, and support on-site mission operations and interoperability standards like A-GRA, UCI, and OMS.
Location: San Mateo, California
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Software Engineering
Seniority: Mid level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Develop and integrate autonomy software solutions on unmanned platforms, including payload computer bring-up, container-based deployment, and configuration across onboard compute, sensors, and C2 interfaces.
  • •Set technical direction across multiple programs by driving the autonomy reference implementation and common patterns, adapting as priorities shift, and aligning with engineering leadership.
  • •Represent the team to engineering leadership, customer/program offices, standards bodies, and external partners; shape architecture decisions beyond the team.
  • •Mentor senior engineers and other team leads, and drive cross-team improvements in rigor, process, and integration timelines.
  • •Own pre-deployment build/configuration/validation and provide on-site test & mission support, including troubleshooting under time-critical constraints.
Travel: Medium travel

Pay and Benefits

Salary: USD 280,512 - 420,768 annually
Equity and Bonus:Equity

Key Requirements

  • •BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
  • •Typically 10+ years related experience with a Bachelor’s; 9+ years with a Master’s; 7+ years with a PhD; or equivalent experience.
  • •Proficiency in C++ and experience developing/integrating real-time or latency-sensitive systems.
  • •Proficiency in Linux-based development, including embedded systems work, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
  • •Hands-on experience supporting demos/exercises/field or mission tests for unmanned or autonomous systems.
Experience:7+ years
Education:Master's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
Skills:MentorshipTechnical leadershipCross-functional collaborationRigorProblem-solving
Tech Stack:C++LinuxPythonK3sK3dDockerConanCMakeCI/CDShell scriptingSystem diagnosticsDDSPub-subIPCPX4ArduPilotA-GRAUCIOMSAFSIM

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