Senior Staff Engineer, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration (R4983)
AI summary of the role
Senior Staff Engineer role focused on integrating Shield AI's autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, owning flight readiness from build to live test support.
What you’ll do
- Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
- Own build, configuration, and validation of flight-ready systems, coordinating hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness.
- Travel to test sites to support live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring-up, and troubleshooting under time-critical constraints.
- Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy software stacks and embedded systems in lab and field environments.
What you’ll bring
- BS/MS in CS, EE, ME, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent; typically 10+ years with BS, 9+ with MS, 7+ with PhD.
- Proficiency in C++ and Python, with familiarity of real-time operating systems (RTOS).
- Proficiency in Linux-based development, embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
- Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS).
Technologies
C++ · Python · RTOS · Linux · ROS · DDS · AFSIM · NGTS · embedded systems · sensor fusion
About Shield AI
Builds AI pilot software, aircraft, and vision systems that let militaries and OEMs develop, deploy, and operate mission autonomy in contested environments.
Unicorn
Source and classification
Implementation & delivery · Evidence for this classification:
dynamic, requiring hands-on experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, real-world test conditions. Shield AI is committed to developing cutting-edge autonomy for unmanned aircraft operating across all Department of Defense (DoD) domains, including air, sea, and land. Our Flight Integration Engineers are essential to bridging the gap between R&D and deployment, ensuring that autonomous systems function reliably and effectively when and where they are needed most. What you'll do: 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
More from the job description
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on solving complex integration challenges that span hardware, software, and systems engineering. 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. 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. Shield AI is committed to developing cutting-edge autonomy for unmanned aircraft operating across all Department of Defense (DoD) domains, including air, sea, and land. Our Flight Integration Engineers are essential to bridging the gap between R&D and deployment, ensuring that autonomous systems function reliably and effectively when and where they a [... source excerpt omitted ...] rworthiness, and compliance in defense-relevant environments. Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 30-40% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events). Required Qualifications: 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 operat [... source excerpt omitted ...] ellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance. Preferred Qualifications: Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns. Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines. Competence in sensor integration, electronics debugging, or avionics bring-up. Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing. Comfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews. Experience with UCI and OMS Standards. #LI-ED1 #LE Full-time regular
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