Senior Software Engineer - Autonomous Aircraft Integration

About the role

Shield AI is a defense-tech company developing autonomy software and unmanned aircraft for the Department of Defense. This Senior Engineer, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration (R5200) role suits someone who enjoys solving complex integration challenges across hardware, software and systems engineering. The engineer deploys autonomy solutions onto unmanned platforms, prepares systems for flight and troubleshoots mission-critical issues in lab and field settings. The position is based in Washington.

Key responsibilities

• Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, across onboard compute, sensors and control interfaces.
• Own the build, configuration and validation of flight-ready systems, coordinating hardware and software compatibility.
• Travel to test sites to support live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring-up and troubleshooting under tight deadlines.
• Diagnose and fix integration issues in autonomy software stacks and embedded systems in lab and field.
• Manage data collection during missions and post-test analysis to refine system behavior.
• Work with autonomy, GNC, systems and test teams to deliver validated, mission-critical functionality.
• Build tools and processes that improve integration timelines, flight test reliability and team efficiency.
• Assist with documentation and system-level validation for certification, airworthiness and compliance.

Required profile

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 4 years with a Master's, or 2 years with a PhD.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
• Travel of about 30-40% of the year to offices, customer sites and flight events.

Required skills

• C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Linux development, embedded systems, shell scripting and system diagnostics.
• Sensor integration, sensor fusion and middleware such as ROS and DDS.
• Simulation tools such as AFSIM and NGTS.
• Preferred: experience with unmanned aerial systems, autonomy stacks, flight control systems, avionics bring-up, UCI and OMS standards, and automation tools for testing and data parsing.