# Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Space

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Boston, MA, Washington, DC, San Diego, CA, Dallas, TX
**Role:** ML Engineering
**Salary:** $160k – $240k/yr
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** C++, Python, rtos, control systems, motion planning, optimization, tactical behaviors, distributed decision-making, afsim, ngts, Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, swarm robotics, information fusion, simulation
**Posted:** 2026-08-05

> 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.

## Job Description

## 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.

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