Shield AI · Washington, United States
Join Shield AI, a company dedicated to developing advanced autonomy for unmanned aircraft across all Department of Defense domains. As a Staff Software Engineer, you will play a crucial role in integrating autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation and mission readiness. You will also support live flight operations, diagnose and resolve integration issues, manage flight data capture and analysis, and collaborate with various teams to deliver mission-critical functionality. This position requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience and offers excellent benefits, including medical coverage, paid parental leave, and competitive compensation.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
- Competence in sensor integration, electronics debugging, or avionics bring-up
- 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
- A successful candidate will be skilled at deploying autonomy solutions onto unmanned platforms, preparing systems for flight, and troubleshooting mission-critical issues in both lab and field environments
- BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
- Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns
- Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance
- Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines
- Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation
- This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on solving complex integration challenges that span hardware, software, and systems engineering
- Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS)
- Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises
- Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
- Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing
- The role is highly dynamic, requiring hands-on experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, real-world test conditions
- Comfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews
- Experience with UCI and OMS Standards