Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5395)

Shield AI
San Mateo
Workplace: OnsiteFull timeUSD 234,240 - 351,360 annuallyFunction: Software EngineeringEducation: bachelorsSkills: ["Mentorship","Communication","Teamwork","Problem-solving"]

Develop and integrate autonomy software for unmanned platforms across air, maritime, space, and effects/expendables. Write autonomy mission behaviors and control interfaces, owning code end-to-end from software- to hardware-in-the-loop through live test exercises. Lead a small feature crew or sub-program, set technical direction, and mentor engineers while partnering with autonomy, perception, feature crews, and external integrators on interface contracts and mission support. Build tools to improve integration and test reliability.

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FursaFursa
Shield AI
Shield AI
4 days ago

Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5395)

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

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

Job Summary

Develop and integrate autonomy software for unmanned platforms across air, maritime, space, and effects/expendables. Write autonomy mission behaviors and control interfaces, owning code end-to-end from software- to hardware-in-the-loop through live test exercises. Lead a small feature crew or sub-program, set technical direction, and mentor engineers while partnering with autonomy, perception, feature crews, and external integrators on interface contracts and mission support. Build tools to improve integration and test reliability.
Location: San Mateo
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Software Engineering
Seniority: Mid level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Develop and integrate autonomy software for unmanned platforms, including payload computer bring-up and container-based deployment.
  • •Lead a small feature crew or sub-program by setting technical direction, breaking down work, unblocking the team, and reporting progress.
  • •Serve as a primary technical interface across autonomy, perception, feature crews, and external partners; author and negotiate ICDs and interface contracts.
  • •Own build, configuration, and validation for mission-ready systems, coordinating compatibility, mission readiness, and release cadence across teams.
  • •Support on-site test and mission operations (traveling 10-20%), including safety checks, system bring-up, troubleshooting, and mission data/debrief support.
Travel: Medium travel

Pay and Benefits

Salary: USD 234,240 - 351,360 annually
Equity and Bonus:Equity

Key Requirements

  • •Typically requires 7+ years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree (or 5+ with a Master’s, or 4+ with a PhD) or equivalent experience.
  • •Proficiency in C++ and experience developing or integrating real-time or latency-sensitive systems.
  • •Proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, and analysis.
  • •Proficiency in Linux-based development with experience working with embedded systems and system diagnostics.
  • •Experience integrating autonomy stacks and/or platform control, including vehicle electronics/payload compute, and familiarity with container orchestration (k3s/k3d/Docker).
Experience:Defense-techUnmanned systemsAutonomyRobotics
Education:Bachelor's
Skills:MentorshipCommunicationTeamworkProblem-solving
Tech Stack:PythonC++LinuxK3sK3dDockerConanCMakeCI/CDDDSA-GRAUCIOMSPX4ArduPilotAFSIMNGTSHivemindSDK

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