# Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** San Mateo, CA
**Role:** Embedded Engineering
**Salary:** $196k – $294k/yr
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** C++, Python, Rtos, Linux, Embedded Systems, Shell Scripting, System Diagnostics, Sensor Integration, Sensor Fusion, ROS, Dds, Afsim, Ngts, Gnc, Flight Control Systems
**Posted:** 2026-08-19

> Integrate and deploy autonomy software on unmanned aircraft, prepare systems for flight, and troubleshoot hardware, software, and embedded integration issues during lab and field tests. The role requires a relevant degree or equivalent experience, C++ and Python proficiency, and at least two years of related experience.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
- Own system build, configuration, validation, and flight readiness.
- Support live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring-up, and time-critical troubleshooting.
- Debug hardware/software integration issues across autonomy stacks and embedded systems.
- Capture flight data and perform post-test analysis to improve autonomous behaviors.
- Collaborate with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams.
- Develop tools and processes to improve integration timelines, flight-test reliability, and deployment efficiency.
- Support certification, airworthiness, compliance documentation, and system-level validation.
- Travel approximately 30–40% 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 similar field, or equivalent practical experience.
- At least 2 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree, or a master's/PhD with internship or equivalent practical experience.
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
- Proficiency in C++ and Python.
- Familiarity with real-time operating systems, Linux-based development, embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
- Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks such as ROS and DDS.
- Experience supporting flight demonstrations or live exercises.
- Experience with simulation tools such as AFSIM and NGTS.
- Strong troubleshooting, optimization, communication, and teamwork skills.

## Nice to Have
- Experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or flight-test campaigns.
- Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight-control systems, or GNC pipelines.
- Experience with sensor integration, electronics debugging, or avionics bring-up.
- Experience developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing.
- Experience interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews.
- Experience with UCI and OMS standards.

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