Senior Staff Engineer – Autonomy Behaviors

About the role

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Engineer to lead the design and implementation of autonomy behaviors for unmanned aircraft across air, land, and sea domains. The role blends advanced control theory, optimization, and machine‑learning techniques to deliver high‑performance software that operates on real‑world platforms.

Key responsibilities

• Design tactical autonomy algorithms enabling complex missions with minimal human supervision.
• Develop high‑performance C++/Python software modules for planning, decision‑making, and behavior execution.
• Implement and test behavior architectures for multi‑agent coordination, target engagement, and survivability.
• Integrate rule‑based systems with learning‑based methods such as reinforcement learning.
• Collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight‑test teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Deploy autonomy capabilities to platforms, conduct field tests, and analyze mission data for continuous improvement.

Required profile

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent combinations of degree and experience).
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Required skills

• Proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Experience with real‑time operating systems (RTOS).
• Strong background in robotics, motion planning, behavior modeling, and autonomous system design.
• Hands‑on experience with unmanned air system technologies and simulation tools such as AFSIM or NGTS.
• Familiarity with machine‑learning/reinforcement‑learning techniques and standards like UCI and OMS.