Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration
Develop and integrate autonomy software for emerging platforms in space, maritime, and contested logistics. Integrate existing capabilities, develop new mission behaviors and controls, own end-to-end testing from simulation to live exercises, and support field operations (10-20% travel). Requires 5+ years experience with C++ and embedded/real-time systems integration.
About the job
What You'll Do
- Stand Up New Capabilities – Help establish autonomy on new platforms and mission areas by integrating existing Shield AI capabilities with platform-specific software and developing new autonomy where needed.
- Develop & Field Autonomy – Develop and integrate autonomy software onto emerging-domain platforms, including platform and autopilot integration, payload and sensor integration, mission behaviors, multi-agent coordination, and validation through software-, hardware-, vehicle-, and live testing.
- Platform Team Partnerships – Partner closely with platform teams to integrate autonomy capabilities, validate interfaces, coordinate hardware/software compatibility, and support mission readiness.
- Collaboration Across Teams & Partners – Work with the Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS teams, feature crews, and customer/program offices to deliver integrated autonomy solutions.
- Design & Documentation – Contribute to design reviews, ICDs, integration planning, and post-mortems while improving engineering rigor across teams.
- Pre-deployment Preparation – Build, configure, validate, and prepare mission-ready systems while coordinating release readiness with platform and capability teams.
- On-site Test & Mission Support – Support flight tests, maritime trials, ground testing, customer demonstrations, and operational exercises through system bring-up, troubleshooting, and mission execution.
- Hardware/Software Debugging – Diagnose and resolve integration issues across autonomy software, payload computers, embedded systems, and platform interfaces.
- Mission Data & Debrief Support – Capture mission data, reproduce issues in simulation, and partner with capability owners to rapidly improve future releases.
- Continuous Improvement – Develop tools and engineering processes that improve integration velocity, testing reliability, and mission readiness.
- C2 Interoperability & Standards – Implement and validate interfaces with command-and-control systems while supporting program-appropriate interoperability standards.
Required Qualifications
- BS/MS in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience.
- Typically requires 5+ years of relevant experience.
- Strong proficiency in C++ and Linux-based development.
- Experience integrating embedded or real-time software systems.
- Experience supporting integration, testing, or operational field events.
- Strong systems-level problem-solving skills.
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with autonomous aircraft, maritime systems, spacecraft, or robotics.
- Experience with autonomy software, autopilot integration, or robotics frameworks.
- Python, Docker, or CI/CD experience.
- Experience working in early-stage R&D or rapid prototyping environments.
- Experience supporting DoD customers or field demonstrations.
Skills
C++, Linux, Embedded Systems, Real-Time Systems, Python, Docker, CI/CD, Autonomy Software, Autopilot Integration, Robotics Frameworks
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