Staff Engineer, Software, GCS - C++ (R5189)

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Engineer, Software, GCS - C++ to join their Flight System Integration team. The successful candidate will focus on building Ground Control Station software, advanced mission planners, post-mission debrief utilities, and general C2 interfaces.

The Ground Control Station (GCS) and Command & Control (C2) Software team builds the mission planning, command & control, and post-mission debrief systems that enable operators to seamlessly manage complex, multi-domain unmanned missions.

Responsibilities:

• Develop & Field GCS/C2 Software: Design, develop, and optimize high-performance, responsive GCS software and C2 applications.
• Technical Leadership: Own technical direction for major GCS features and systems.
• Collaboration Across Teams: Act as a primary technical interface with the Autonomy Capabilities team, Perception team, flight operations, and external partners.
• Mentorship & Growth: Mentor mid-level engineers on the team.
• Design, UX, & Documentation: Drive design reviews, UI/UX prototyping, and ICD definition.
• Pre-deployment Preparation: Own the build, configuration, and validation process for mission-ready ground stations.
• On-site Test & Mission Support: Travel to test sites and support live mission operations.
• Hardware/Software Debugging: Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex GCS/C2 stacks.
• Mission Data & Debrief Support: Architect and implement post-mission debrief utilities and telemetry analysis tools.
• Continuous Improvement: Build tools and automation scripts to improve C2 deployment pipelines.
• C2 Interoperability & Standards: Own compliance and integration with command-and-control standards and architectures.
• Hiring: Interview candidates and help define the skills bar for open roles.

Requirements:

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree.
• Strong proficiency in C++.
• Experience building responsive user interfaces using Qt/QML.
• Hands-on experience customizing, extending, or building with QGroundControl (QGC).
• Experience full-stack or building backend in C/C++, Python, TypeScript, or Go.
• Deep familiarity with networked and distributed systems.
• Experience using AI-assisted development tools.
• Demonstrated experience owning a major software capability or system.
• Track record of mentoring engineers and growing technical talent.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Familiarity with video streaming protocols and multimedia frameworks.
• Experience developing post-mission telemetry analysis.
• Familiarity with containerization.
• Experience with platform control / autopilot protocols.