Staff Engineer – Software GCS (C++)

About the role

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Engineer to lead the development of Ground Control Station (GCS) and Command & Control (C2) software. You will design high‑performance, map‑centric mission planning tools, real‑time control interfaces, and post‑mission debrief utilities for multi‑domain unmanned missions.

Key responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize C++/Qt based GCS applications, extending QGroundControl to support custom vehicle protocols.
• Own technical direction for major GCS features, including UI/UX architecture and client/server interfaces.
• Collaborate with autonomy, perception, flight operations, and external partners to define and negotiate APIs, ICDs, and interface contracts.
• Mentor mid‑level engineers, onboard senior hires, and contribute to hiring decisions.
• Lead build, configuration, and validation processes for mission‑ready ground stations and support field testing and live mission operations.

Required profile

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 7 years of experience with C++ and latency‑sensitive desktop applications (or equivalent with advanced degree).
• Proven ability to own a major software capability from architecture through field delivery.
• Experience mentoring engineers and leading technical decisions.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Required skills

• C++ (multi‑threaded, performance‑critical)
• Qt/QML and QGroundControl customization
• Python, TypeScript, Go for backend services
• Network protocols (UDP/TCP, custom binary, pub‑sub/IPC, serialization/IDL)
• GIS and map rendering engines (Mapbox, Cesium, etc.)
• Video streaming frameworks (RTSP, WebRTC, GStreamer, H.264/H.265)
• Containerization tools (Docker, Kubernetes)
• DoD C2 standards (MAVLink, STANAG 4586, A‑GRA, UCI, OMS)