Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration (R5423)

<div><span data-contrast="auto">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&nbsp;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&nbsp;</span><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://shield.ai/"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">www.shield.ai</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">. Follow Shield AI on&nbsp;</span><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/shield-ai"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">LinkedIn</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">,&nbsp;</span><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://x.com/shieldaitech"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">X</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">,&nbsp;</span><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/shield_ai"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Instagram</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, and&nbsp;</span><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/@Shield_AI"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">YouTube</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;335559685&quot;:720}">&nbsp;</span></div><div><br></div><div>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.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>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&amp;D and deployment, ensuring that autonomous systems function reliably and effectively when and where they are needed most.</div><h3>What you'll do:</h3> <li><strong>System Integration &amp; Deployment</strong> — Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.</li> <li><strong>Pre-flight Preparation</strong> — Own the build, configuration, and validation process for flight-ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness.</li> <li><strong>On-site Flight Test Support</strong> — Travel to test sites and support live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring-up, and troubleshooting under time-critical constraints.</li> <li><strong>Hardware/Software Debugging</strong> — Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy software stacks and embedded systems in lab and field environments.</li> <li><strong>Flight Data Capture &amp; Analysis</strong> — Manage data collection during missions and post-test analysis, working with autonomy engineers to refine behaviors and identify improvements.</li> <li><strong>Collaboration Across Teams</strong> — Work closely with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure mission-critical functionality is delivered on time and validated thoroughly.</li> <li><strong>Continuous Improvement</strong> — Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, flight test reliability, and team efficiency across deployment cycles.</li> <li><strong>Support Certification and Compliance</strong> — Assist with documentation and system-level validation required for certification, airworthiness, and compliance in defense-relevant environments.</li> <li><strong>Travel Requirement </strong>– Members of this team typically travel around 30-40% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events).</li> <h3>Required Qualifications:</h3> <li>BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience&nbsp;</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).</li> <li>Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.</li> <li>Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS).</li> <li>Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises.</li> <li>Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation.</li> <li>Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.</li> <li>Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.</li> <li>Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.&nbsp;</li> <h3>Preferred Qualifications:</h3> <li>Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns.</li> <li>Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines.</li> <li>Competence in sensor integration, electronics debugging, or avionics bring-up.</li> <li>Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing.</li> <li>Comfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews.</li> <li>Experience with UCI and OMS Standards.</li>