Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy Software Integration & Test (R5539)

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

What you'll do: - Develop and contribute production-quality software features and capabilities for autonomous systems   - Design, implement, debug, and maintain software components supporting autonomy, mission execution, system integration, and flight operations   - Integrate autonomy software onto fixed-wing, multirotor, and other unmanned or autonomous systems   - Develop internal tools, automation, telemetry analysis pipelines, and test infrastructure in C++ and Python   - Support software bring-up, system configuration, and mission readiness for flight operations   - Debug and troubleshoot issues across autonomy software, onboard compute, radios, networking, sensors, flight controllers, and mission systems   - Support simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, ground testing, and live flight test activities   - Support field demonstrations and operational test events, including pre-flight setup, system validation, troubleshooting, and post-flight analysis   - Operate and troubleshoot Ground Control Stations (GCS) and mission support systems   - Capture, analyze, and review flight and system data to support root cause analysis and system improvements   - Work closely with autonomy, systems, hardware, and flight test teams to rapidly integrate and validate new capabilities   - Support rapid software iteration and operational testing in dynamic startup and field environments   - Contribute to operational documentation, test procedures, integration workflows, and deployment readiness activities   - Travel to test sites and support field operations as required

Required qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience   - 3+ years of experience developing and integrating software for robotics, autonomy, aerospace, embedded systems, or related technical fields   - Strong software engineering experience in C++ and Python, including development, debugging, and system integration   - Experience contributing to complex software systems in robotics, autonomy, aerospace, embedded systems, or related domains   - Experience working with Linux-based systems and development environments   - Hands-on experience integrating and troubleshooting hardware and software systems   - Experience supporting field testing, flight testing, demonstrations, or operational exercises   - Familiarity with MAVLink, PX4, ArduPilot, QGroundControl, or related unmanned systems technologies   - Experience debugging distributed or cross-disciplinary systems involving software, networking, sensors, radios, onboard compute, and mission systems   - Strong sense of ownership and ability to operate independently in fast-paced environments   - Strong problem-solving mindset and willingness to work across disciplines   - Ability to travel within Ukraine as required

Preferred qualifications: - Experience supporting autonomous aircraft or unmanned systems   - Experience with SIL, HIL, VIL, simulation, or flight test environments   - Familiarity with ROS, DDS, embedded systems, or real-time systems   - Experience with RF communications, datalinks, and networking systems   - Experience supporting live flight demonstrations or operational deployments   - Familiarity with flight controllers, avionics systems, and aircraft integration   - Experience building internal tools for testing, automation, telemetry analysis, or operational support   - Background in defense, robotics, aerospace, or autonomous systems   - Ukrainian and English language proficiency   - Experience operating in fast-paced and dynamic field environments

Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.