# Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** San Mateo, CA
**Role:** ML Engineering
**Salary:** $196k – $294k/yr
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** C++, Python, Real-Time Operating Systems, Control Systems, Motion Planning, Optimization, Reinforcement Learning, Distributed Decision-Making, Unmanned Systems, Afsim, Ngts, Swarm Robotics, Machine Learning, Simulation
**Posted:** 2026-09-01

> Design and deploy tactical autonomy algorithms and high-performance software for unmanned systems operating in complex, contested environments. The role requires 5+ years of related experience, strong C++ and Python skills, robotics expertise, and the ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Design tactical autonomy algorithms enabling unmanned aircraft to perform complex missions across air, land, and sea domains with minimal human supervision.
- Develop high-performance software modules for planning, decision-making, and behavior execution in dynamic and adversarial environments.
- Implement and test behavior architectures supporting multi-agent coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability.
- Integrate classical autonomy with machine learning, including rule-based and reinforcement-learning methods.
- Collaborate with perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight-test teams to integrate autonomy solutions onto real-world platforms.
- Deploy capabilities to operational platforms and participate in field tests, flight demonstrations, and integration events.
- Analyze mission logs and performance data, diagnose failures, and optimize behavior models.
- Research and prototype algorithms, identify tactical capability gaps, and contribute to the autonomy roadmap.
- Adapt autonomy solutions to evolving defense program requirements, compliance needs, mission sets, and operational feedback.
- Travel approximately 10–15% annually.

## Requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field; equivalent practical experience may be considered.
- At least 5 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree, 4 years with a master’s degree, or 2 years with a PhD; equivalent work experience may be considered.
- Proficiency in C++ and Python, with familiarity with real-time operating systems.
- Significant experience in one or more robotics areas, including control systems, motion planning, optimization, tactical behaviors, or distributed decision-making.
- Significant experience with unmanned systems and related algorithms, ideally in the space domain.
- Experience with simulation tools and environments such as AFSIM, NGTS, or similar platforms.
- Strong problem-solving and system troubleshooting skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration 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 defense or government programs.
- Hands-on experience supporting integration events, customer demonstrations, or live exercises.

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