Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration

Shield AI
Washington, San Diego, Boston
Workplace: OnsiteFull timeUSD 187,531 - 281,297 annuallyFunction: Software EngineeringExperience: 7+ yearsEducation: bachelorsSkills: ["Communication","Leadership","Problem-solving","Mentoring","Teamwork"]

Lead development and integration of autonomy software for unmanned platforms, guiding a small feature crew through design, implementation, and field delivery. Collaborate across autonomy, perception, and platform integration teams; own end-to-end software-in-the-loop to live-test cycles, and mentor mid-level engineers while coordinating with external partners.

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FursaFursa
Shield AI
Shield AI
2 months ago

Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration

✓ Verified Job

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

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

Job Summary

Lead development and integration of autonomy software for unmanned platforms, guiding a small feature crew through design, implementation, and field delivery. Collaborate across autonomy, perception, and platform integration teams; own end-to-end software-in-the-loop to live-test cycles, and mentor mid-level engineers while coordinating with external partners.
Location: Washington, San Diego, Boston
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Software Engineering

Key Responsibilities

  • •Lead a small feature crew or sub-program through design, integration, and delivery; mentor mid-level engineers and onboard senior new hires.
  • •Write autonomy code such as mission behaviors, platform-specific control, and multi-agent coordination; own end-to-end development from SIL to HIL to live test.
  • •Drive design reviews, ICDs, and post-mortems; push for higher rigor and closing process gaps that span teams.
  • •Coordinate with Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, and external partners; serve as primary technical interface for platform integrations and vendor collaboration.
  • •Own build, configuration, and validation processes for mission-ready systems; ensure mission readiness and release cadence with capability teams.
Travel: Low travel

Pay and Benefits

Salary: USD 187,531 - 281,297 annually

Key Requirements

  • •BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
  • •Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 5 years with a Master's; or 4 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 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, message buses)
Experience:7+ yearsUnmanned systemsRoboticsAutonomy
Education:Bachelor's
Skills:CommunicationLeadershipProblem-solvingMentoringTeamwork
Languages:English
Tech Stack:C++LinuxDDSIPCShell scriptingDockerK3sK3dPython

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