# Senior Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** San Mateo, CA
**Role:** Embedded Engineering
**Salary:** $281k – $421k/yr
**Experience:** 10+ years
**Skills:** C++, Linux, Embedded Systems, Shell Scripting, System Diagnostics, Dds, Ipc, Autonomy Simulation, K3S, K3D, Python, Command And Control, Real-Time Systems, Containerization
**Posted:** 2026-09-01

> Leads the technical direction, integration, validation, and fielding of autonomy software across multiple unmanned-platform programs. The role requires 10+ years of related experience, strong C++ and Linux embedded-systems expertise, field-test experience, and the ability to lead cross-program initiatives.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Develop and integrate autonomy software for unmanned air, maritime, space, ground, and effects/expendable platforms.
- Implement mission behaviors, platform-specific control, multi-agent coordination, contingencies, and executive autonomy.
- Own software validation from software-in-the-loop through hardware-in-the-loop, vehicle-in-the-loop, and live test exercises.
- Bring up payload computers; deploy containerized systems using tools such as k3s and k3d; configure onboard compute, sensors, and command-and-control interfaces.
- Set technical direction across multiple programs, establish reference implementations and common architecture patterns, and shape autonomy-stack evolution.
- Lead architecture reviews, design documentation, post-mortems, interface contracts, and cross-team process improvements.
- Coordinate pre-deployment builds, configuration, compatibility, mission readiness, and release cadence.
- Travel to test sites and support flight tests, range exercises, on-water trials, integration events, and live mission operations.
- Troubleshoot autonomy stacks, payload computers, embedded systems, memory, CPU, and timing performance in lab and field environments.
- Capture mission data, reproduce issues in simulation, and drive fixes into subsequent builds.
- Define C2 interoperability strategy and implement standards such as A-GRA, UCI, and OMS.
- Mentor senior engineers and team leads, shape hiring strategy, assess candidates, and support staffing plans.

## 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 experience.
- Proficiency in C++ and experience developing or integrating real-time or latency-sensitive systems.
- Proficiency in Linux-based development, embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
- Familiarity with middleware, publish-subscribe, or IPC frameworks used in autonomy and robotics, such as DDS and message buses.
- Hands-on experience supporting demonstrations, exercises, or field and mission tests for unmanned or autonomous systems.
- Experience with autonomy simulation environments for testing and validation.
- Experience leading multiple teams or cross-program technical initiatives from concept through fielded delivery.
- Experience setting technical strategy, shaping architecture decisions and standards, and solving ambiguous system-level problems.
- Experience mentoring senior engineers and team leads.
- Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, optimization, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

## Nice-to-haves
- Direct experience supporting unmanned systems or comparable field-test campaigns.
- Proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, and analysis.
- Experience leading multiple programs or cross-program initiatives in an unmanned-systems context.
- Experience interfacing with customers and external stakeholders, representing an organization in technical engagements, briefing senior leadership, and presenting technical work.

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

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