# Senior Manager, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration

**Company**: Shield AI
**Location**: Washington, DC
**Work arrangement**: onsite
**Experience**: senior
**Job type**: full-time
**Salary**: $229,233 - $343,849 a year
**Category**: Engineering
**Industry**: Technology

**Apply**: https://jobs.lever.co/shieldai/53d404c6-d2cd-4b97-934f-7b17b2a76768
**Canonical**: https://yubhub.co/jobs/job_415fa450-752

## Description

This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on solving complex integration challenges that span hardware, software, and systems engineering. As a Senior Manager, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration, you will lead technical teams and support direct projects integrating autonomy solutions for defense platforms.

Key responsibilities include:

* Leading teams across autonomy, integration, and testing by aligning technical efforts, resolving cross-functional challenges, and driving mission-focused execution.
* Integrating autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
* Owning the build, configuration, and validation process for flight-ready systems; coordinating hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness.
* Traveling to test sites and supporting live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring-up, and troubleshooting under time-critical constraints.
* Diagnosing and resolving integration issues across complex autonomy software stacks and embedded systems in lab and field environments.
* Managing data collection during missions and post-test analysis, working with autonomy engineers to refine behaviors and identify improvements.
* Collaborating with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure mission-critical functionality is delivered on time and validated thoroughly.

Required qualifications include:

* 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.
* 7+ years of experience in Unmanned Systems programs in the DoD or applied R&D.
* 2+ years of people leadership 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 include:

* 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.

## Skills

### Required
- C++
- Python
- Real-time operating systems (RTOS)
- Linux-based development
- Embedded systems
- Shell scripting
- System diagnostics
- Sensor integration
- Sensor fusion
- Middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS)
- Flight demos
- Live exercises
- Simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS)

### Nice to have
- Autonomy stacks
- Flight control systems
- GNC pipelines
- Electronics debugging
- Avionics bring-up
- Automation tools
- System testing
- Logging
- Data parsing
- UCI and OMS Standards