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Shield AIShield AIBoston, MA

Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Space

Build and deploy autonomy software for satellites and missile-defense systems, spanning optimization, tasking, scheduling, track fusion, and motion planning. The role requires strong C++ and Python skills, robotics or unmanned-systems experience, simulation expertise, and the ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

160k – 240k/yr
On-site5+ YOEML Engineering

About the role

Responsibilities

  • Apply advanced optimization strategies to large-scale distributed decision-making, task allocation, and resource scheduling for coordinated multi-satellite missions.
  • Develop weapons target assignment and motion-planning approaches for fleets of space vehicles and interceptors.
  • Advance low-SWaP optimal control, tactical behavior management in cooperative and adversarial contexts, and information-aware planning.
  • Develop high-performance, well-tested software modules with clear interfaces that are ready for mid-to-high Technology Readiness Level insertions.
  • Collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight-test teams to integrate autonomy solutions onto real-world platforms.
  • Deploy autonomy capabilities to space vehicles; analyze mission logs to verify software performance and validate operational effects.
  • Research and prototype algorithms, identify tactical capability gaps, and propose solutions for autonomy roadmaps.
  • Travel approximately 10–15% of the year to offices, customer sites, and flight-integration events.

Requirements

  • Proficiency in C++ and Python, with familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
  • Significant experience in one or more robotics areas, including control systems, motion planning, optimization, tactical behaviors, or distributed decision-making.
  • Significant experience with unmanned-system technologies and related algorithms, ideally in the space domain.
  • Experience with simulation tools and environments such as AFSIM, NGTS, or similar tools for testing and validation.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, including troubleshooting and system-performance optimization.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments.
  • Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance or higher.

Nice-to-Haves

  • Experience across multiple aerospace domains, including air, land, sea, or space.
  • Experience spanning classical control, optimization, and applied machine learning or reinforcement learning.
  • Background in collaborative behaviors and swarm robotics.
  • Familiarity with relevant Department of Defense or government programs.
  • Hands-on experience supporting integration events, customer demonstrations, or live exercises.

Skills

C++Pythonrtoscontrol systemsmotion planningoptimizationtactical behaviorsdistributed decision-makingafsimngtsMachine LearningReinforcement Learningswarm roboticsinformation fusionsimulation

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