Senior Staff Engineer (Autonomy Behaviors (R4073))

Join Shield AI, a company dedicated to developing cutting-edge autonomy for unmanned aircraft across all Department of Defense domains. As a Senior Staff Engineer, you will design tactical autonomy algorithms, develop high-performance software, implement behavior architectures, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. You will also deploy autonomy capabilities to real platforms, analyze mission data, contribute to the autonomy roadmap, and support defense-focused programs. This position offers excellent benefits, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to work on complex problems in a collaborative environment.

• Design and develop tactical autonomy algorithms to enable unmanned aircraft to perform complex missions with minimal human supervision.
• Implement and test behavior architectures that enable multi-agent coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of autonomy solutions on real-world platforms, and participate in field tests and flight demos.
• This position is perfect for an individual who enjoys solving the most complex problems across a portfolio of diverse domains and modalities
• An ideal candidate is expected to apply classical autonomous techniques, algorithms, and theory to various platforms in multiple tactical scenarios
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance
• Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
• 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
• Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (specifically air domain)
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Significant background in robotics technologies related to motion planning, behavior modeling, decision-making, or autonomous system design
• Experience with UCI and OMS Standards
• Work on behaviors applicable across air, ground, and maritime vehicles
• Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises
• Familiarity with tactical behaviors for unmanned systems in DoD or government programs
• Background in collaborative behaviors, swarm robotics, or distributed decision-making
• Experience applying ML/RL techniques in autonomy pipelines