Senior Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Weapons (R5398)

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Software Engineer to join the Autonomous Pilot Integration team for launched effects. The team builds autonomy solutions for small platforms that operate in multi-agent fleets and disconnected environments. The successful candidate will define the technical direction for the Launched Effects portfolio, drive the evolution of autonomy architecture, and ensure scalable solutions for fleet-scale operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define the long-term technical direction for the Launched Effects portfolio
• Develop and field autonomy software for launched effects platforms
• Collaborate with engineering leadership, Autonomy Capabilities and Perception teams, autopilot vendors, and customer stakeholders
• Lead cross-functional architecture reviews, interface standards, and post-mortems
• Mentor staff and senior engineers, and contribute to engineering standards and leveling
• Guide capability release planning, fleet-scale deployment strategies, and operational readiness
• Provide senior technical leadership during critical flight tests, customer demonstrations, and operational exercises
• Lead resolution of complex autonomy integration challenges
• Drive post-mission analysis and identify systemic improvements
• Define technical strategy for command-and-control interoperability and shape interface evolution
• Hire and develop technical talent

Requirements:

• BS/MS in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience
• 10+ years of relevant experience
• Expert-level C++ and Linux systems development experience
• Demonstrated experience defining technical strategy across multiple engineering teams or programs
• Proven track record influencing architecture and solving highly complex autonomy integration challenges
• Experience mentoring senior engineers and driving engineering excellence across an organization
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance