Manager, Autonomy Capabilities

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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

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This position is perfect for an individual who enjoys solving the most complex problems across a portfolio of diverse domains and modalities. An ideal candidate is expected to apply classical autonomous techniques, algorithms, and theory to various platforms in multiple tactical scenarios. These solutions are expected to be integrated into real-world problems with near-term program impacts and rewards. In this role, you will manage a technical team supporting the development, testing, and analysis of autonomy algorithms for advanced aerospace, defense, and robotic systems.

Shield AI is looking to continue to push the envelope by teaming traditional autonomous systems algorithms and deep reinforcement learning-based solutions to create an unmatched capability and speed to deployment technology base.

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership:
  Lead teams across autonomy, integration, and testing by aligning technical efforts, resolving cross-functional challenges, and driving mission-focused execution. Balance hands-on technical oversight with performance optimization, innovation, and clear stakeholder communication.
• Autonomy Development:
  As an Autonomy Engineer on this team, you will lead teams at the intersection of artificial intelligence, task & motion planning, and controls. Write autonomous behaviors for varying aircraft platforms (i.e., VTOL and Fixed Wing)
• Collaboration:
  
  You will work closely with talented engineers to architect solutions, set standards for software engineering, drive strategic technical improvements, and mentor other engineers. Work with Subject Matter Experts to understand customer needs and implement appropriate autonomy solutions
• System Integration:
  Integrate Shield AI autonomy products together with third party systems
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of experience developing and integrating autonomy algorithms in robotics, aerospace, or defense systems.
• 2+ years managing technical teams.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Significant background in robotics technologies related to sensing, estimation, path planning, and data fusion.
• Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (specifically air domain)
• 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.
• Mathematical background in both linear/nonlinear control theory and autonomous systems technologies/algorithms
• Demonstrated problem solving skills by applying a scientific approach
• Ability to understand, derive, and implement motion models and accompanying controllers for trajectory generation and tracking.
• Experience with UCI and OMS Standards
• Active SECRET clearance

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity