Senior Staff Engineer – Autonomous Systems Integration

About the role

Shield AI is looking for a senior, hands‑on expert to lead integration and test readiness of its Hivemind autonomy software on unmanned aircraft and robotic platforms. The role bridges autonomy software, onboard compute, sensors, networking and field operations, ensuring reliable demonstration and customer support.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the senior technical focal point for Hivemind integration across unmanned aircraft, ground robots, compute, radios, sensors and supporting ground equipment.
• Lead hands‑on integration, troubleshooting, and test execution in simulated, hardware‑in‑the‑loop, live‑vehicle and flight‑test environments.
• Partner with engineering, product, operations and customer teams to evaluate new platforms and define readiness criteria, risk, safety and cost considerations.
• Mentor engineers and operators on systems integration, hardware readiness and practical autonomy test execution.

Required profile

• 10+ years of experience in UxS/UAS systems integration, robotics hardware, autonomy test operations or related hands‑on technical roles.
• Proven ability to lead complex integration efforts across hardware, software, networking and test environments.
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and cross‑disciplinary debugging skills.

Required skills

• Linux and embedded systems development.
• Python, Bash and MATLAB scripting/automation.
• Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, MAVLink, Pixhawk/Cube flight controllers, QGroundControl or Mission Planner.
• Knowledge of networking, system configuration, data collection and field diagnostics.
• Hands‑on work with NVIDIA Jetson, systemd services and containerized deployments.
• RF/radio setup, mesh networking and sensor integration.