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Shield AIShield AIBoston, MA

Staff Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Space

Leads development and deployment of autonomy software for satellites and missile-defense systems, spanning optimization, tasking, planning, and sensor or track fusion. The role requires 7+ years of related experience, strong C++ and Python skills, robotics expertise, and the ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

188k – 281k/yr
On-site7+ YOEML Engineering

About the role

Responsibilities

  • Develop autonomy capabilities for satellites and missile defense applications, including distributed optimization, automated tasking and scheduling, track fusion, rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), and space-vehicle motion and behavior planning.
  • Use advanced optimization strategies for distributed decision-making, task allocation, and resource scheduling in coordinated multi-satellite missions.
  • Apply approaches to weapons target assignment and motion planning 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 suitable 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 contribute to autonomy roadmaps.
  • Lead technical delivery of complex autonomy capabilities, help shape customer requirements, define technical approaches, and drive execution.
  • Travel approximately 10–15% of the year for office locations, customer sites, and flight-integration events.

Requirements

  • Minimum of 7 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree; 6 years with a master's degree; 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
  • Proficiency in C++ and Python, with familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
  • Significant experience in robotics areas such as control systems, motion planning, optimization, tactical behaviors, or distributed decision-making.
  • Significant experience with unmanned-system technologies and associated algorithms, ideally in the space domain.
  • Experience with simulation tools and environments such as AFSIM, NGTS, or similar for testing and validation.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills in 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 roboticstrack fusionsimulation

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