# Senior Staff Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** San Mateo, CA
**Role:** AI Research
**Salary:** $281k – $421k/yr
**Experience:** 10+ years
**Skills:** C++, Python, Rtos, Robotics, Motion Planning, Behavior Modeling, Decision-Making, Autonomous Systems, Reinforcement Learning, Simulation, Afsim, Ngts, Swarm Robotics, Distributed Decision-Making, Oms Standards
**Posted:** 2026-09-01

> Leads design, implementation, integration, and field validation of tactical autonomy software for unmanned systems and multi-agent missions. Requires extensive autonomy or robotics experience, strong C++ and Python skills, and the ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Design tactical autonomy algorithms for unmanned aircraft operating across air, land, and sea domains with minimal human supervision.
- Develop high-performance software for planning, decision-making, and behavior execution in dynamic, adversarial environments.
- Implement and test behavior architectures supporting multi-agent coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability.
- Integrate classical autonomy and machine learning, including rule-based systems and reinforcement learning.
- Collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight-test teams to integrate autonomy solutions on real-world platforms.
- Deploy autonomy capabilities to operational platforms and participate in field tests, flight demonstrations, and live exercises.
- Analyze mission logs and performance data to diagnose failures and optimize behavior models.
- Research and prototype algorithms, identify tactical capability gaps, and contribute to the autonomy roadmap.
- Adapt autonomy solutions to defense programs, customer needs, compliance requirements, and operational feedback.
- Travel approximately 10–15% of the year to offices, customer sites, and flight-integration events.

## Requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Typically 10 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree, 9 years with a master’s degree, or 7 years with a PhD, or equivalent work experience.
- Proficiency in C++ and Python; familiarity with real-time operating systems.
- Significant experience with robotics technologies involving motion planning, behavior modeling, decision-making, or autonomous-system design.
- Significant experience with unmanned-system technologies and algorithms, particularly in the air domain.
- Experience with simulation environments such as AFSIM and NGTS for testing and validation.
- Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and system-optimization skills.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills in multidisciplinary environments.
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

## Nice-to-Haves
- Experience applying machine learning or reinforcement learning to autonomy pipelines.
- Background in collaborative behaviors, swarm robotics, or distributed decision-making.
- Familiarity with tactical behaviors for unmanned systems in Department of Defense or government programs.
- Experience developing behaviors for air, ground, and maritime vehicles.
- Hands-on experience supporting flight demonstrations or live exercises.
- Experience with UCI and OMS standards.

## Compensation
- Annual salary range: $280,512–$420,768.

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