Staff Engineer, Software, GCS - C++ (R5189)

Shield AI
San Diego, Dallas, Washington, Boston
Workplace: OnsiteFull timeUSD 150,000 - 230,000 annuallyFunction: Software EngineeringEducation: bachelorsSkills: ["Leadership","Mentorship","Communication","Collaboration","Problem-solving"]

Lead the design and development of high-performance Ground Control Station (GCS) and C2 software in C++, focusing on map-centric mission planning, real-time control, and multi-agent integration. Own technical direction, UI/UX architecture, and API interfaces while mentoring engineers, coordinating across Autonomy, Perception, and field ops teams, and ensuring rigorous validation and documentation for mission-ready systems.

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FursaFursa
Shield AI
Shield AI
3 months ago

Staff Engineer, Software, GCS - C++ (R5189)

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Source: Company careers pageValidated by: Fursa AI
Last checked: 1 hour agoStatus: Live

Job Summary

Lead the design and development of high-performance Ground Control Station (GCS) and C2 software in C++, focusing on map-centric mission planning, real-time control, and multi-agent integration. Own technical direction, UI/UX architecture, and API interfaces while mentoring engineers, coordinating across Autonomy, Perception, and field ops teams, and ensuring rigorous validation and documentation for mission-ready systems.
Location: San Diego, Dallas, Washington, Boston
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Software Engineering
Seniority: Sr. Manager level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Develop & Field GCS/C2 Software — Design, develop, and optimize high-performance, responsive GCS software and C2 applications, focusing on map-centric mission planning, real-time command & control, video streaming, and telemetry visualization.
  • •Technical Leadership — Own technical direction for major GCS features and systems; architect UI/UX layouts, design robust client/server interfaces, and lead technical decision-making within your project area.
  • •Collaboration Across Teams — Act as a primary technical interface with the Autonomy Capabilities team, Perception team, flight operations, and external partners (platform integrators, C2 providers, and vehicle vendors); author and negotiate APIs, ICDs, and interface contracts rather than just consume them.
  • •Mentorship & Growth — Mentor mid-level engineers on the team; partner with managers on onboarding, leveling, and growth planning. Formally onboard senior new hires.
  • •Design, UX, & Documentation — Drive design reviews, UI/UX prototyping, and ICD definition; champion rigorous coding standards, unit/integration testing, and developer/operator documentation to close process gaps that span teams.
Travel: Medium travel

Pay and Benefits

Salary: USD 150,000 - 230,000 annually
Equity and Bonus:Equity
Perks:Annual BonusEquityBenefits

Key Requirements

  • •BS/MS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
  • •Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
  • •Strong proficiency in C++, with experience developing complex, multi-threaded, or latency-sensitive desktop applications.
  • •Experience building responsive user interfaces using Qt/QML (or similar modern UI frameworks).
  • •Hands-on experience customizing, extending, or building with QGroundControl (QGC) or similar open-source/proprietary ground station software.
Experience:DefenseUnmanned systemsQtC++Ground control station
Education:Bachelor's
Skills:LeadershipMentorshipCommunicationCollaborationProblem-solving
Certifications:SECRET clearance
Tech Stack:C++QtQGroundControlPythonTypeScriptGoUDPTCPQML

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