Senior Staff Engineer, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration

Shield AI
Washington
Workplace: OnsiteFull timeFunction: Solutions Engineering & Sales EngineeringEducation: mastersSkills: ["Communication","Teamwork","Problem-solving","Systems thinking","Troubleshooting"]

Senior Staff Engineer responsible for integrating autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft, overseeing build, validation, and flight-ready configurations, and supporting on-site flight tests. You’ll collaborate with autonomy, GNC, and systems teams to ensure mission-critical software functions across embedded hardware and labs, while driving continuous improvement, documentation, and compliance for defense-relevant environments.

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FursaFursa
Shield AI
Shield AI
1 year ago

Senior Staff Engineer, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration

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

Job Summary

Senior Staff Engineer responsible for integrating autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft, overseeing build, validation, and flight-ready configurations, and supporting on-site flight tests. You’ll collaborate with autonomy, GNC, and systems teams to ensure mission-critical software functions across embedded hardware and labs, while driving continuous improvement, documentation, and compliance for defense-relevant environments.
Location: Washington
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Solutions Engineering & Sales Engineering

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.

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 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years and a Master’s degree; or 7 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:AerospaceDefenseUnmanned systems
Education:Master's
Skills:CommunicationTeamworkProblem-solvingSystems thinkingTroubleshooting
Languages:English
Tech Stack:C++PythonRTOSLinuxROSDDSAFSIMNGTS

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