# Senior Staff Software Engineer, C++ Software Integration (R4018)

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Washington, DC
**Role:** Backend Engineering
**Salary:** $181k – $271k/yr
**Experience:** 10+ years
**Skills:** C++, Python, Linux, Docker, Cmake, Conan, gRPC, Rest, Zeromq, Gitlab Ci, Distributed Systems, CI/CD, Multi-Threaded Systems
**Posted:** 2026-05-13

> Leads architecture, implementation, and integration of high-performance C++ and Python systems in distributed, real-time simulation environments. Requires 10+ years experience, advanced C++ expertise, Linux proficiency, and active SECRET clearance.

## Job Description

## What You'll Do
- Architect and implement high-performance **C++** and **Python** systems across cross-platform environments.
- Lead the design and integration of distributed systems, simulation tools, and third-party hardware/software.
- Define and enforce technical direction, design patterns, and integration practices across projects.
- Guide teams in building robust messaging and **API** layers (e.g., **gRPC**, **REST**, **ZeroMQ**) that bridge critical system components.
- Own the evolution and support of **CI/CD** pipelines using **GitLab CI**, **Docker**, **Conan**, and **CMake**.
- Lead debugging and optimization of real-time and multi-threaded systems across a range of domains.
- Drive end-to-end integration efforts, including planning, implementation, and verification across simulation and operational systems.
- Serve as a force multiplier by mentoring other engineers and contributing to shared tooling and process improvements.
- Evaluate and incorporate new technologies that improve system performance, stability, and developer efficiency.

## Required Qualifications
- Typically requires a minimum of **10 years** of related experience with a **Bachelor’s degree**; or 9 years and a **Master’s degree**; or 7 years with a **PhD**; or equivalent work experience.
- Advanced experience designing and maintaining large **C++** systems, with fluency in **C++14/17/20** and comfort navigating legacy **C++98/03** codebases.
- Proficiency in **Linux/Unix** environments, including system-level development and debugging tools.
- Strong systems integration background with practical experience in distributed systems, real-time processing, and hardware/software interfaces.
- Significant experience with **CI/CD** systems, containerization (e.g., **Docker**), and build tooling (e.g., **CMake**, **Conan**).
- Proficiency in **Python** and familiarity with other scripting and automation tools.
- Deep knowledge of **Linux** environments (**Windows** experience is a bonus).
- Demonstrated success leading efforts involving 10+ contributors, including technical planning and mentorship.
- Strong understanding of networking concepts and communication protocols.
- Active **SECRET** clearance.

## Preferred Qualifications
- Real-time or distributed simulation experience (e.g., **AFSIM**, **NGTS**, or similar).
- Familiarity with message-passing infrastructure and web-service technologies like **gRPC**, **REST APIs**, and message queues.
- Familiarity with open standards like **UCI** and **OMS**, and an understanding of data buses and interface protocols common in avionics and aircraft systems.
- Experience integrating simulation with autonomy frameworks or real-time operators.
- Experience developing and integrating with modeling or analysis pipelines.
- Ability to obtain a **TS/SCI** clearance.

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