Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5423)

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 [](https://shield.ai/). Follow Shield AI on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/shield-ai), [X](https://x.com/shieldaitech), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/shield_ai), and [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@Shield_AI). 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 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 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. - **Collaboration Across Teams** — Work closely with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure mission-critical functionality is delivered on time and validated thoroughly. - **Continuous Improvement** — Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, flight test reliability, and team efficiency across deployment cycles. - **Support Certification and Compliance** — Assist with documentation and system-level validation required for certification, airworthiness, 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 2 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or completion of a Master’s or PhD program with internship or equivalent practical experience preferred; or equivalent professional 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). - Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises. - Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation. - Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance. - Excellent 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.