Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Weapons (R5427)

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join the Autonomous Pilot Integration team for launched effects. The team builds autonomy solutions for small, often air- or ground-launched platforms that operate in multi-agent fleets and frequently in disconnected or air-gapped environments.

The successful candidate will develop and integrate autonomy capabilities for launched effects platforms, owning major features from design through operational deployment. They will work closely with the Autonomy Capabilities and Perception teams, feature crews, autopilot vendors, C2 providers, and customer partners to deliver mission-ready autonomy software.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and integrating autonomy software solutions onto launched effects platforms
• Owning major features from software-in-the-loop through live flight testing and operational deployment
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams and partners to deliver integrated autonomy capabilities
• Contributing to design reviews, ICDs, integration planning, and post-mortems
• Building, configuring, and validating mission-ready systems for Capability Releases and fleet-scale deployments
• Traveling to test sites, customer exercises, and live demonstrations to support flight operations and mission execution
• Diagnosing and resolving integration issues across autonomy software, payload computers, embedded systems, and platform interfaces
• Capturing mission and test data, reproducing issues in simulation, and driving improvements into future releases
• Developing tools and processes that improve integration timelines, testing reliability, deployment efficiency, and mission readiness

Requirements:

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
• Typically requires 5+ years of relevant experience
• Strong proficiency in C++ and experience developing or integrating real-time or embedded systems
• Experience with Linux-based development and embedded systems
• Experience integrating complex software and hardware systems
• Experience supporting system integration, testing, or field events
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with launched effects, unmanned systems, or autonomous platforms
• Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or comparable autopilot stacks
• Experience with multi-agent autonomy
• Python, Docker, CMake/Conan, or CI/CD experience
• Experience supporting military field exercises or defense customers