# Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Washington, DC, Boston, MA, San Diego, CA, Dallas, TX
**Role:** ML Engineering
**Salary:** $163k – $245k/yr
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** C++, Linux, Embedded Systems, Real-Time Systems, Python, Docker, CI/CD, autonomy software, autopilot integration, robotics frameworks
**Posted:** 2026-07-21

> 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.

## Job Description

## 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.

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