Simulation Framework Engineer (L2)

About the role

Shield AI, a defense-tech company developing autonomy software, aircraft and simulation technologies, is hiring a Simulation Framework Engineer (L2) in San Diego. The role develops and maintains 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.
• Take part in code reviews, design discussions, bug triage and collaborative debugging.

Required profile

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical or Systems Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent practical experience may be considered.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. SECRET security clearance.
• Foundational programming experience in C++ and Python through coursework, internships, projects or research.
• Familiarity with Linux development environments, Git, debugging, code review and automated testing.
• Object-oriented programming, APIs and modular design; exposure to TCP, UDP, client-server communication or message passing.
• Interest in modeling and simulation, autonomy, robotics, distributed systems, game engines, visualization or defense technology.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with simulation tools such as AFSIM, NGTS, Unreal Engine, Unity, Gazebo, ROS/ROS 2, MATLAB/Simulink.
• Knowledge of DDS, ROS 2, ZeroMQ, gRPC or message queues, and standards like CIGI, DIS, HLA, CSF.
• Unit testing with GoogleTest, pytest or CTest, build systems such as CMake, Make or Bazel, and containerized environments like Docker or Podman.