Shield AI

Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R5202)

Shield AI$110K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
  • Production-level C++ software development experience
  • 2-3 years in software sub-system scheduling, integration, behavior planning, or flight controls
  • Familiarity with collaborative software development tools
  • Ability to contribute to complex software systems in a multi-disciplinary team
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment
  • Willingness to support team objectives and grow technical skills
  • Eligible for U.S. Secret security clearance

Responsibilities

  • Implement tactical autonomy software features for unmanned platforms
  • Develop and test behaviors for coordination and reconnaissance
  • Participate in the entire software development lifecycle, including debugging
  • Collaborate with engineers to integrate software with system elements
  • Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code
  • Support integration and testing in simulation and real-world environments
  • Work with teams to meet requirements for successful feature delivery
  • Travel up to 20% for testing and collaboration

Benefits

  • Bonus potential
  • Equity opportunities
  • Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees
  • Temporary benefits package after 60 days for temporary employees
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:
  • Implement tactical autonomy software features that enable unmanned platforms to perform complex missions across air, land, sea, and space domains
  • Develop and test behaviors supporting coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios
  • Participate in the software development lifecycle, including implementation, testing, debugging, and supporting verification and validation efforts
  • Collaborate with senior engineers to integrate software components with broader system elements (e.g., sensor processing, communications, and actuation)
  • Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code following established engineering standards and team practices
  • Support integration and testing across simulation and real-world environments
  • Work with cross-functional teams to understand requirements and support successful feature delivery
  • Continue building expertise in software engineering, autonomy, and robotics systems
  • Travel up to 20% to support testing, integration, and collaboration with partner teams

Required Qualifications:
  • BS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
  • Experience in production-level C++ software development
  • 2-3 years of 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:
  • Exposure to systems operating at different technology readiness levels (TRLs) through academic, research, or internship experience
  • Experience in the delivery of a military mission system
  • Familiarity with mission systems integration concepts, testing, or demonstrations
  • Experience (academic or project-based) in one or more of the following areas:
  • Motion planning, behavior planning, or multi-agent coordination
  • Expose to autonomy, control, or decision-making systems
  • Safety mechanisms such as collision avoidance or constraint enforcement
  • Familiarity with robotic software tools (e.g., ROS, OMPL, or similar frameworks)
  • Experience using simulation environments for development or testing
  • Basic understanding of navigation and/or communications systems
  • Awareness of the software or systems development lifecycle
  • Familiarity with systems engineering fundamentals
  • Exposure to high-assurance or safety-critical software concepts (e.g., DO-178C or similar)

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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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