Staff Engineer, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration

This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on solving complex integration challenges that span hardware, software, and systems engineering. A successful candidate will be skilled at deploying autonomy solutions onto unmanned platforms, preparing systems for flight, and troubleshooting mission-critical issues in both lab and field environments. The role is highly dynamic, requiring hands-on experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, real-world test conditions. 

Shield AI is committed to developing cutting-edge autonomy for unmanned aircraft operating across all Department of Defense (DoD) domains, including air, sea, and land. Our Flight Integration Engineers are essential to bridging the gap between R&D and deployment, ensuring that autonomous systems function reliably and effectively when and where they are needed most.

What youll 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).

Required Qualifications:

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience 

• Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience. 

• Proficiency in programming languages 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. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.