Staff Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities

About the role

Shield AI builds intelligent systems designed to protect service members and civilians around the world through advanced technology and intelligent automation solutions. The company develops sophisticated autonomy software, aircraft, and simulation technologies that actively support operations globally across multiple continents and various regions. The Autonomy Capabilities team brings together a diverse group of specialists in software, robotics, control systems, optimization, and data analysis to solve hard problems by creating software solutions that greatly evolve customer capabilities. This group develops autonomous behaviors within the mission autonomy software stack and deploys them across many different platforms while working in close coordination with specialist groups in software integration, hardware, and test engineering to solve the hardest problems facing customers today.

Key facts

What you'll do

Design and implement autonomous behaviors for the mission autonomy software stack across various platforms

Develop software solutions that greatly evolve customer capabilities for defense and civilian protection missions

Deploy autonomy features onto the Anduril Fury and Northrup Grumman Talon aircraft systems

Integrate software with the Shield AI V-Bat and other first-party autonomous vehicles safely

Work closely with hardware and test engineering teams to solve difficult operational problems daily

Create and refine control systems logic for intelligent mission execution in complex environments

Analyze operational data to improve the optimization and performance of the autonomy software

Coordinate with specialist teams in software integration to ensure smooth and reliable deployment

Build and maintain the Hivemind autonomy software that supports worldwide military operations effectively

Contribute to Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies for advanced training and testing

Collaborate with cross-functional groups to define requirements and translate them into technical specifications

Ensure the software meets high standards for reliability and performance in demanding scenarios

Evaluate existing software architectures and identify opportunities for performance enhancements and new feature additions

Write clean maintainable code that adheres to established standards and supports long term project goals

Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback to colleagues to improve overall software quality

Requirements

Demonstrated expertise in software engineering principles and practices for building complex autonomous systems

Experience working with robotics and control systems in a professional engineering environment

Knowledge of optimization techniques for improving autonomous software performance and mission behavior

Familiarity with data analysis methods to drive continuous improvements in mission capabilities

Understanding of autonomous behaviors and how they function within a mission software stack

Ability to deploy software across a breadth of different platforms and vehicles effectively

Capacity to coordinate closely with hardware and test engineering teams on various projects

Proficiency in developing software solutions specifically for defense and protection operations worldwide

Strong foundation in computer science fundamentals including algorithms and system architecture design principles

Excellent communication skills for documenting technical approaches and sharing findings with internal and external partners

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment to achieve project goals

Commitment to writing high quality code with thorough testing and validation practices throughout the development cycle

Demonstrated proficiency in debugging complex software issues and resolving them in a timely manner

Experience managing technical deliverables and prioritizing tasks to meet critical project milestones consistently

Nice to have

Prior experience with the Hivemind autonomy software and its associated development workflows is helpful

Familiarity with Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies used for testing purposes is valued

Exposure to first-party and third-party autonomous vehicle platforms and their integration processes is beneficial

Background in working with defense or security focused technology operations on a global scale

Knowledge of the X-BAT aircraft and its specific software integration requirements would be advantageous

Familiarity with the Northrup Grumman Talon platform and its associated software development kits is a plus

Skills & tools

Working knowledge of the Hivemind autonomy software and its core functionalities for missions

Experience with V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft systems and their software interface layers

Understanding of Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies for development and testing

Familiarity with Anduril Fury and Northrup Grumman Talon platform architectures and design

Proficiency in robotics and control systems engineering principles and practical applications today

Skills in optimization and data analysis techniques for improving autonomous system performance

Proficiency in programming languages commonly used for robotics and real time embedded systems development

Experience with version control systems and continuous integration pipelines to manage software delivery workflows

Practical notes

The role is based in Boston Massachusetts at the company office location within the region

This is a full-time employee position with standard business working hours expected for the team

Shield AI maintains offices and facilities across the US Europe Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions

The technology developed here actively supports operations worldwide for both defense and civilian protection

Candidates should expect to work alongside a diverse team of experts in various disciplines

The company operates with offices and facilities across the US Europe Middle East and Asia-Pacific to support global customers