# Staff Engineer, Guidance & Controls (R4763)

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Dallas, TX
**Role:** Embedded Engineering
**Salary:** $180k – $280k/yr
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** C++, Python, Control Systems, Kalman Filters, Path Planning, Trajectory Synthesis, Simulation, Continuous Integration, Test-Driven Development, Linear System Analysis
**Posted:** 2026-04-07

> Develops and maintains control and autonomy algorithms for unmanned aerial systems, handling full lifecycle from design to flight testing. Requires 5+ years experience with control systems, robotics, and strong C++/Python skills.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Create and maintain control and autonomy algorithms within the VBAT code base.
- Full lifecycle development: algorithm development, software design and coding, unit tests, component tests, flight software qualification, and flight test support.
- Update and validate simulation models as required.

## Required Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years related experience with Bachelor's degree; or 2 years with Master's; or PhD.
- Proven track record of shipping products in fast-paced environments.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Experience with control systems for unmanned aerial systems and/or robotics, including:
  - Outer loop path planning / trajectory synthesis
  - Integrating software in hierarchical environments.

## Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with continuous integration/delivery and test-driven development.
- **Strong C++ and Python** coding experience.
- Simulation model development, verification, and validation.
- Controls knowledge: linear system analysis, gain/phase margin analysis, time response, filter development (first order, Kalman, bandpass).

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