Senior Software Engineer – Autonomy for Space

About the role

Shield AI is seeking a senior software engineer to create autonomy capabilities for space‑based platforms, including satellites and missile‑defense systems. The role focuses on large‑scale distributed optimization, automated tasking, track fusion and motion planning, and will move prototypes from R&D to real‑world flight hardware.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement multi‑objective optimization and task allocation algorithms for coordinated satellite missions.
• Develop weapons target assignment and motion‑planning software for fleets of space vehicles and interceptors.
• Advance low‑SWaP optimal control, tactical behavior management and information‑aware planning.
• Produce high‑performance, well‑tested software modules ready for mid‑ to high‑TRL integration.
• Collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware and flight‑test teams to integrate autonomy on real platforms.
• Support deployment, test, and analysis of mission logs on space vehicles.
• Contribute to autonomy road‑maps through research, prototyping and gap analysis.
• Travel 10‑15 % of the year to offices, customer sites and integration events.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s (minimum 5 years) or Master’s (minimum 4 years) in Computer Science, EE, Mechanical, Aerospace or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET (or higher) security clearance.
• Minimum five years of professional experience developing embedded software for unmanned systems, preferably in the space domain.

Required skills

• Proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Experience with real‑time operating systems (RTOS).
• Strong background in control systems, motion planning, optimization and distributed decision‑making.
• Familiarity with unmanned system algorithms and simulation tools such as AFSIM or NGTS.