Senior Applications Engineer, Autonomy

About the role

Shieldai functions as a venture-funded defense technology company with a steadfast mission to protect service members and civilians through the deployment of smart systems. The team builds advanced Hivemind autonomy platform and manages V-BAT and X-BAT planes to address complex operational challenges. Additionally, the group works closely with Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality tools to create immersive training environments. Shieldai maintains offices across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific to ensure its technology supports missions on a global scale.

Key facts

What you'll do

Provide expert application support for the Hivemind autonomy platform across various client environments and operational theaters.

Collaborate closely with engineering teams to integrate V-BAT and X-BAT planes into existing and new workflows efficiently.

Develop and maintain custom simulation scenarios using Aechelon synthetic reality tools to enhance training and mission preparation activities.

Troubleshoot complex software issues and coordinate with cross-functional teams to resolve operational challenges in a timely manner.

Create detailed technical documentation outlining system configurations and standard operating procedures for internal and external users consistently.

Conduct regular software updates and performance optimizations to ensure reliable autonomy system functionality during critical missions.

Interface directly with international clients to understand their specific operational needs and translate them into technical requirements.

Design and execute comprehensive test protocols to validate new autonomy features before they are deployed to the field.

Mentor junior engineers on best practices for application engineering and defense technology integration within a global context.

Analyze field data and telemetry logs to identify software improvements that enhance overall mission effectiveness and safety.

Support the deployment of intelligent systems in active operational zones, ensuring continuous technical assistance and system stability.

Facilitate knowledge transfer sessions between regional teams to standardize application engineering practices and share technical insights globally.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related technical discipline is strictly required for this position.

Extensive experience with autonomy software development and deployment in defense or aerospace sectors is absolutely necessary.

Demonstrated proficiency in working with V-BAT and X-BAT planes and their associated subsystems is essential.

Strong background in Hivemind autonomy platform architecture and modern application engineering methodologies is highly valued.

Proven ability to manage international EOR engagements and navigate complex global compliance standards effectively on a daily basis.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with diverse global technical teams across multiple time zones.

Experience utilizing Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality tools for rigorous system validation and testing processes is preferred.

Capacity to travel internationally as needed to support critical operations across multiple geographic regions without hesitation.

Deep understanding of defense technology integration and the lifecycle management of autonomous systems in field environments.

Familiarity with software development lifecycles and agile methodologies applied to high-stakes, mission-critical technology platforms.

Nice to have

Familiarity with international defense regulations and export control compliance procedures for technology deployments across various borders.

Prior experience working with Kyiv-based teams or within the European and Middle Eastern markets specifically.

Knowledge of advanced robotics and unmanned systems beyond standard V-BAT and X-BAT planes and configurations.

Understanding of synthetic reality development pipelines and their integration with real-world operational data for training.

Background in venture-funded technology startups and the unique dynamics of rapid prototyping and iteration cycles.

Skills & tools

Hivemind autonomy platform and its associated development frameworks for intelligent system operations and management.

V-BAT and X-BAT plane subsystems and their integration into larger mission architectures and workflows.

Aechelon simulation environments and synthetic reality tools for creating advanced training scenarios and simulations.

Python, C++, and modern software development practices for building reliable, secure defense applications consistently.

International EOR processes and remote collaboration tools for maintaining productivity within distributed global teams.

Cloud infrastructure and data analysis platforms for processing field telemetry, logs, and operational metrics efficiently.

Git version control systems and continuous integration pipelines to ensure high-quality software delivery standards.

Operating systems administration, particularly Linux environments, for managing backend services and application deployments.

Practical notes

This position operates under an International EOR arrangement, meaning employment is managed through a third-party provider rather than Shieldai directly.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Kyiv or willing to secure the necessary documentation and visas for this location.

The role requires close coordination with Shieldai offices located across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific on a regular basis.

Applicants should review the company website at www.shield.ai for additional context on the mission and specific product offerings.

Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube to learn more about the company culture and current initiatives.