Staff Engineer, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration (R4983)

Shield AI
Washington
Workplace: OnsiteFull timeUSD 182,720 - 274,080 annuallyFunction: Data Science & Machine LearningExperience: 7+ yearsEducation: bachelorsSkills: ["Communication","Teamwork","Problem-solving"]

SeBuilt as a Staff Engineer to integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, own flight-ready builds, support on-site flight tests, and debug hardware/software across embedded systems. Collaborate with autonomy, GNC, and systems teams to ensure mission-critical functionality is validated, documented, and compliant, while improving timelines and reliability across deployment cycles.

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FursaFursa
Shield AI
Shield AI
1 year ago

Staff Engineer, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration (R4983)

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Source: Company careers pageValidated by: Fursa AI
Last checked: 11 hours agoStatus: Live

Job Summary

SeBuilt as a Staff Engineer to integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, own flight-ready builds, support on-site flight tests, and debug hardware/software across embedded systems. Collaborate with autonomy, GNC, and systems teams to ensure mission-critical functionality is validated, documented, and compliant, while improving timelines and reliability across deployment cycles.
Location: Washington
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Data Science & Machine Learning
Seniority: Manager level

Key Responsibilities

  • •System Integration & Deployment — Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
  • •Pre-flight Preparation — Own the build, configuration, and validation process for flight-ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness.
  • •On-site Flight Test Support — Travel to test sites and support live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring-up, and troubleshooting under time-critical constraints.
  • •Hardware/Software Debugging — Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy software stacks and embedded systems in lab and field environments.
  • •Flight Data Capture & Analysis — Manage data collection during missions and post-test analysis, working with autonomy engineers to refine behaviors and identify improvements.
Travel: High travel

Pay and Benefits

Salary: USD 182,720 - 274,080 annually
Equity and Bonus:Equity
Perks:EquityBenefitsAnnual 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 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
  • •Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
  • •Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics
  • •Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS)
Experience:7+ yearsDefenseUnmanned aircraftAutonomy
Education:Bachelor's
Skills:CommunicationTeamworkProblem-solving
Tech Stack:C++PythonRTOSLinuxROSDDSAFSIMNGTS

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