# Staff Engineer, Guidance & Controls (R4763)
**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Dallas, TX
**Salary:** $180K-$280K
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** C++, Python, Control Systems, Kalman Filters, Path Planning, Trajectory Synthesis, Simulation, Continuous Integration, Test-Driven Development, Linear System Analysis
**Posted:** 2026-04-07
> Develops and maintains control and autonomy algorithms for unmanned aerial systems, handling full lifecycle from design to flight testing. Requires 5+ years experience with control systems, robotics, and strong C++/Python skills.
## Job Description
## Responsibilities
- Create and maintain control and autonomy algorithms within the VBAT code base.
- Full lifecycle development: algorithm development, software design and coding, unit tests, component tests, flight software qualification, and flight test support.
- Update and validate simulation models as required.

## Required Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years related experience with Bachelor's degree; or 2 years with Master's; or PhD.
- Proven track record of shipping products in fast-paced environments.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Experience with control systems for unmanned aerial systems and/or robotics, including:
  - Outer loop path planning / trajectory synthesis
  - Integrating software in hierarchical environments.

## Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with continuous integration/delivery and test-driven development.
- **Strong C++ and Python** coding experience.
- Simulation model development, verification, and validation.
- Controls knowledge: linear system analysis, gain/phase margin analysis, time response, filter development (first order, Kalman, bandpass).
**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/staff-engineer-guidance-controls-r4763-at-shield-ai-78a6251a-d46b-4489-94f5-08eaf7150008
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/staff-engineer-guidance-controls-r4763-at-shield-ai-78a6251a-d46b-4489-94f5-08eaf7150008