Senior Staff Engineer, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration; R4983 in Washington

What you'll do:

• System Integration & Deployment — Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
• Pre-flight Preparation — Own the build, configuration, and validation process for flight‑ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness.
• On-site Flight Test Support — Travel to test sites and support live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring‑up, and troubleshooting under time‑critical constraints.
• Hardware/Software Debugging — Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy software stacks and embedded systems in lab and field environments.
• Flight Data Capture & Analysis — Manage data collection during missions and post‑test analysis, working with autonomy engineers to refine behaviors and identify improvements.
• Collaboration Across Teams — Work closely with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure mission‑critical functionality is delivered on time and validated thoroughly.
• Continuous Improvement — Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, flight test reliability, and team efficiency across deployment cycles.
• Support Certification and Compliance — Assist with documentation and system‑level validation required for certification, airworthiness, and compliance in defense‑relevant environments.
• Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 30‑40% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events).

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years and a Master’s degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• Proficiency in programming such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real‑time operating systems (RTOS).
• Proficiency in Linux‑based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
• Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS).
• Hands‑on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises.
• Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

• Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns.
• Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines.
• Competence in sensor integration, electronics debugging, or avionics bring‑up.
• Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing.
• Comfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews.
• Experience with UCI and OMS Standards.

Full‑time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity. Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment). Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licences and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of ancestry, marital status, or Veteran status. If you have a special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.