Staff Software Engineer (Autonomous Aircraft Integration)

Join Shield AI, a company dedicated to developing cutting-edge autonomy for unmanned aircraft. 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. This position requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience and offers excellent benefits, including medical coverage, paid parental leave, and competitive compensation.

• Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
• Own the build, configuration, and validation process for flight-ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness.
• Travel to test sites and support live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring-up, and troubleshooting under time-critical constraints.
• Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
• This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on solving complex integration challenges that span hardware, software, and systems engineering
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance
• Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS)
• Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises
• Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance
• Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns
• 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
• Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics
• Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines
• Competence in sensor integration, electronics debugging, or avionics bring-up
• 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
• 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