Description
This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on solving complex integration challenges that span hardware, software, and systems engineering. As a Staff Engineer, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration, you 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.
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.
Responsibilities:
- 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 behaviours 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).
Requirements:
- 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
$182,720 - $274,080 a year