# Staff Engineer, Modeling & Simulation (R4869)

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** San Diego, CA
**Role:** Backend Engineering
**Salary:** $150k – $220k/yr
**Experience:** 7+ years
**Skills:** C++, C++17, Cmake, Gtest, Python, CI/CD, Rigid-Body Dynamics, Kinematics, Aerodynamics, Simulation V&V, Multi-Threading, Performance Optimization
**Posted:** 2026-04-25

> Develops high-performance C++ models and infrastructure for aircraft simulation pipelines, enabling faster-than-real-time testing and validation for autonomous systems. Requires 7+ years in simulation software with expertise in dynamics, aerodynamics, and modern C++.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities

- Develop models and infrastructure for the integrated simulation pipeline in **C++**.
- Design deterministic, high-performance simulation tools capable of faster-than-real-time execution for development, testing, and release.
- Implement test scenarios and write unit, system, and regression tests.
- Collaborate across autonomy, embedded, GNC, and test engineering to ensure the simulation mirrors real aircraft behavior and mission scenarios.
- Contribute to platform-agnostic simulation tooling to accelerate current and future aircraft design and development efforts.
- Perform verification and validation (**V&V**) analysis activities on modeling tools.
- Conduct system performance analysis and generate reports and visualizations.
- Utilize best practices in **C++**, simulation architecture, and performance engineering.

## Required Qualifications

- **BS** or **MS** in Computer Science, Aerospace, Robotics, or related field.
- **7+ years** of experience in simulation software development, with emphasis on modern **C++ (C++17 or later)** and performance optimization.
- Strong understanding of rigid-body dynamics, kinematics, aerodynamics, and sensor mechanics.
- Proven experience developing or integrating simulation systems for robotics, aerospace, and/or autonomous systems.
- Ability to debug complex build and runtime environments (**CMake**, package management, logging, and profiling tools).
- Experience with software testing tools (**GTest**, etc.).
- Experience with simulation **V&V**.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills across software, hardware, and systems disciplines.

## Preferred Qualifications

- Grasp of real-time and deterministic software design, including multi-threading, synchronization, and memory management.
- Experience with **DevOps**-integrated simulation workflows, including **CI/CD** and automated hardware testing environments.
- Working knowledge of **Python** for data analysis, test automation, or simulation orchestration.
- Familiarity with aircraft and flight physics modeling.

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