Shield AI

Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Behaviors (R4588)

Shield AI$130K — $155K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or Mechanical Engineering required
  • Proficient in production-level C++ software development
  • 5+ years' experience in software sub-system scheduling, behavior planning, or motion planning
  • Familiarity with collaborative software development tools for version control and code management
  • Proven skills in designing and integrating complex software systems within multi-disciplinary teams
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly learn new technologies
  • Eligible for U.S. Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Develop tactical autonomy software for unmanned platforms across multiple domains
  • Implement multi-agent coordination behaviors and target engagement strategies
  • Contribute to all stages of the software development lifecycle
  • Collaborate with engineers to design scalable software components
  • Support the reuse and extensibility of autonomy behaviors and frameworks
  • Work with teams to ensure successful integration of capabilities into vehicle platforms
  • Align on system requirements with cross-functional and external teams
  • Solve complex technical problems using strong software engineering fundamentals.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, and equity opportunities
  • Eligibility for bonuses based on performance
  • Career development opportunities including mentorship
  • Flexible work environment with some travel up to 20%
  • Access to cutting-edge technology and a collaborative team culture.
Full Job Description
The Autonomy Capabilities Team develops functionality to automate single- and multi-agent teams of platforms in pursuit of mission objectives and acts as a central discipline-aligned focal-point for encouraging consistent usage of technical approaches across business portfolios. This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and across a multitude of mission sets, platform types, and operational domains (e.g., air, sea, space). The team puts a strong emphasis on both fundamentals (e.g., aircraft kinematics/dynamics, trajectory design, optimization, information fusion, efficient algorithms, etc.) and software integration skillsets (e.g. structures, protocols, threading, interface management, etc.) to bring market-differentiating capabilities to customers that seamlessly operate within their integration contexts.

This position is perfect for an individual who enjoys solving complex problems across a diverse set of programs and integration contexts. An ideal candidate is expected to address operational system needs through a multitude of advanced methodologies that blend traditional control system approaches with advanced optimization. Developed solutions are expected to be integrated into real-world platforms with near-term program impacts and rewards and so balancing theory with practice and rigorous implementation is paramount.

What You'll Do:
  • Develop tactical autonomy software to enable unmanned platforms to perform complex missions across air, land, sea, and space domains with limited human supervision
  • Implement and test behaviors supporting multi-agent coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios
  • Contribute across the software development lifecycle, including requirements, design, implementation, verification, and validation, following established engineering best practices
  • Collaborate with senior engineers to design and build scalable, maintainable software components that integrate with broader system architecture (e.g., sensor processing, state estimation, communications, and actuation)
  • Support reuse and extensibility of autonomy behaviors by contributing to shared frameworks and codebases
  • Work with internal product and program teams to deliver capabilities to vehicle platforms, helping ensure successful integration and iteration over time
  • Collaborate with cross-functional and external teams to align on interfaces and system requirements
  • Apply strong software engineering fundamentals to solve complex technical problems, while continuing to grow domain expertise in autonomy and robotics systems
  • Travel up to 20% to support integration, testing, and collaboration with end-users and partner teams

Required Qualifications:
  • BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
  • Proficient in production-level C++ software development
  • 5+ years' experience in one or more of the following: software sub-system scheduling and integration, behavior planning, task and resource allocation, motion planning, optimization, or flight controls
  • Experience with collaborative software development tools for version control, issue tracking, code reviews, release management
  • Ability to contribute to the design, development, and integration of complex software systems as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to learn new technologies in a fast-paced environment
  • Willingness to collaborate closely with teammates and support team objectives
  • Interest in growing technical skills and, over time, providing guidance to more junior engineers
  • Desire to work in a highly collaborative, fast paced, and mission-driven environment
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working with systems at one or more technology readiness levels (TRLs), including supporting the maturation of research concepts toward operational use
  • Experience with mission systems integration, including participation in integration events, testing, or demonstrations
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Collaborative mission planning, behavior planning, or coordinated teaming
  • Motion planning across different vehicle types or constraints
  • Sensor/target pairing, control strategies, or related autonomy functions
  • Safety systems such as collision avoidance or geofencing
  • Experience with robotic software ecosystems (e.g., ROS, OMPL, optimization tools)
  • Experience with simulation tools for testing and validation
  • Familiarity with navigation and communications systems
  • Experience contributing to portions of the product development lifecycle
  • Familiarity with systems engineering principles
  • Familiarity with high-assurance software practices (e.g., DO-178C or similar standards)

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Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

About Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company that develops artificially intelligent systems for military applications. The company was founded in 2015 by Brandon Tseng, Ryan Tseng, and Andrew Reiter, and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Shield AI's products include autonomous drones and software that can be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other military operations. The company's mission is to reduce the number of military casualties by providing soldiers with better intelligence and situational awareness. Shield AI has received funding from a number of investors, including Andreessen Horowitz and Founders Fund.
Learn more about Shield AI
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
2015

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