# Staff 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:** $188k – $281k/yr
**Experience:** 7+ years
**Skills:** C++, Python, rtos, control systems, motion planning, optimization, tactical behaviors, distributed decision-making, afsim, ngts, Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, swarm robotics, track fusion, simulation
**Posted:** 2026-08-05

> 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.

## Job Description

## 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.

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