# Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R4588)
**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Boston, MA, Washington, DC
**Salary:** $132K-$198K
**Experience:** 2+ years
**Skills:** C++, ROS, Ompl, Motion Planning, Behavior Planning, Multi-Agent Coordination, Optimization, Simulation Environments, Version Control, Code Reviews
**Posted:** 2026-04-30
> Develops and tests autonomy behaviors for unmanned systems in air, land, sea, and space domains using C++. Requires BS degree, 2-3 years experience in robotics software like planning and optimization, and US Secret clearance eligibility.
## Job Description
## What You'll Do
- Implement tactical autonomy software features that enable unmanned platforms to perform complex missions across air, land, sea, and space domains
- Develop and test behaviors supporting coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios
- Participate in the software development lifecycle, including implementation, testing, debugging, and supporting verification and validation efforts
- Collaborate with senior engineers to integrate software components with broader system elements (e.g., sensor processing, communications, and actuation)
- Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code following established engineering standards and team practices
- Support integration and testing across simulation and real-world environments
- Work with cross-functional teams to understand requirements and support successful feature delivery
- Continue building expertise in software engineering, autonomy, and robotics systems
- Travel up to 20% to support testing, integration, and collaboration with partner teams

## Required Qualifications
- BS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- Experience in production-level **C++** software development
- **2-3 years** of experience in one or more of the following: software sub-system scheduling and integration, behavior planning, task and resource allocation, motion planning, optimization, or flight controls
- Experience with collaborative software development tools for version control, issue tracking, code reviews, release management
- Ability to contribute to the design, development, and integration of complex software systems as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to learn new technologies in a fast-paced environment
- Willingness to collaborate closely with teammates and support team objectives
- Interest in growing technical skills and, over time, providing guidance to more junior engineers
- Desire to work in a highly collaborative, fast paced, and mission-driven environment
- Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

## Preferred Qualifications
- Exposure to systems operating at different technology readiness levels (TRLs) through academic, research, or internship experience
- Experience in the delivery of a military mission system
- Familiarity with mission systems integration concepts, testing, or demonstrations
- Experience (academic or project-based) in one or more of the following areas: motion planning, behavior planning, or multi-agent coordination; exposure to autonomy, control, or decision-making systems; safety mechanisms such as collision avoidance or constraint enforcement
- Familiarity with robotic software tools (e.g., **ROS**, **OMPL**, or similar frameworks)
- Experience using simulation environments for development or testing
- Basic understanding of navigation and/or communications systems
- Awareness of the software or systems development lifecycle
- Familiarity with systems engineering fundamentals
- Exposure to high-assurance or safety-critical software concepts (e.g., **DO-178C** or similar)
**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/software-engineer-ii-autonomy-behaviors-r4588-at-shield-ai-e0df3d99-439c-4aa1-b144-a9bdbec7124e
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/software-engineer-ii-autonomy-behaviors-r4588-at-shield-ai-e0df3d99-439c-4aa1-b144-a9bdbec7124e