Simulation Framework Engineer I (C++/Python)

About the role

Shield AI, a defense-tech company developing autonomy software, aircraft and simulation technologies, is hiring a Simulation Framework Engineer (L1) in Washington. The role helps build and maintain the software that connects modeling and simulation environments with core autonomy software, working alongside experienced engineers to write C++ and Python code, build adapters and plugins and support reusable components. It suits an early-career engineer interested in defense simulation, autonomy, distributed systems and technical integration.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, compile, test and maintain C++ and Python software for simulation adapters, plugins and interfaces.
• Contribute to baseline integrations with simulation backends such as AFSIM, NGTS, Aechelon, HMSSimBlocks and HMSF.
• Support the migration from HMSSimBlocks to HMSF by porting features, updating interfaces, validating behavior and documenting migration considerations.
• Maintain existing HMSSimBlocks integrations for programs that still rely on the legacy framework.
• Help build reusable simulation components and plugin patterns for integrating custom sensors, vehicle models, effects or mission capabilities.
• Implement and maintain CIGI-based plugins and interfaces between simulation frameworks and Aechelon image generators.
• Verify plugin behavior, including CSF file loading, DDS communications, GRID interface requirements and Hivemind SDK compatibility.
• Diagnose integration issues by reviewing logs, network traffic, DDS messages, API behavior, configuration files and call stacks.
• Write unit tests, automated integration tests, developer documentation and example configurations, and take part in code reviews, design discussions, bug triage and collaborative debugging.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical or Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent practical experience may be considered.
• Foundational programming experience in C++ and Python through coursework, internships, projects or research.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. SECRET security clearance.
• Interest in modeling and simulation, autonomy, robotics, distributed systems, game engines, visualization or defense technology.

Required skills

• Familiarity with Linux development environments, Git-based version control, debugging, code review and automated testing.
• Object-oriented programming, software interfaces, APIs and modular design.
• Networking basics such as TCP, UDP, client-server communication, message passing or data serialization.
• Preferred: exposure to simulation tools (AFSIM, NGTS, Unreal, Unity, Gazebo, ROS/ROS 2, MATLAB/Simulink), middleware (DDS, ROS 2, ZeroMQ, gRPC), standards (CIGI, DIS, HLA, CSF), unit-test frameworks (GoogleTest, pytest, CTest) and build systems (CMake, Make, Bazel).