# Staff Engineer, Safety-Critical Software

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** San Diego, CA
**Role:** Backend Engineering
**Salary:** $200k – $300k/yr
**Experience:** 10+ years
**Skills:** C++, Real-Time Systems, Run-Time Assurance, Software Architecture, Safety-Critical Software, Do-178C, Mil-Hdbk-516, Git, Linux, CI/CD, Test-Driven Development, Misra C++, Jsf Av C++, Static Analysis, Airworthiness Certification
**Posted:** 2026-09-04

> Leads architecture, development, integration, and certification-oriented testing of C++ safety-critical software that monitors autonomous systems and ensures safe operation. Requires substantial experience with real-time systems, software assurance standards, technical leadership, and mentoring.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Drive the architecture, development, integration, and testing of an extensible, configurable Run-Time Assurance (RTA) module for safe autonomous-system operation.
- Integrate with low-assurance mission-autonomy software and high-assurance middleware.
- Specialize, integrate, and test RTA capabilities across diverse physical platforms and operating conditions.
- Establish principled software development practices, including code analysis, audit trails, and review processes.
- Create certification-enabling artifacts such as static and dynamic analysis reports, software documentation, architecture decision records, interface control diagrams, and system models.
- Mentor and guide engineers in safe software development practices.

## Requirements
- 10+ years of related experience with a bachelor's degree, 9+ years with a master's degree, 7+ years with a PhD, or equivalent experience.
- Expertise designing and developing C++ safety-critical software with real-time guarantees.
- Experience mentoring engineers and driving software best practices.
- Experience integrating software with real-world physical systems and improving performance and reliability.
- Deep expertise in C++ software architecture patterns and implementation.
- Knowledge of software assurance standards including DO-178C and MIL-HDBK-516.
- Strong Git and Linux development skills.
- Experience with modern development practices, including CI/CD and test-driven development.
- Technical leadership and the ability to guide teams through complex technical challenges.

## Nice-to-haves
- Experience with strict C++ coding standards, including MISRA C++ and JSF AV C++.
- Hands-on experience with airworthiness certification standards such as MIL-HDBK-516 and DO-178C.
- Experience taking a solution through certification and achieving certification.

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