> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1403011-staff-software-engineer-autonomous-pilot-integration-weapons-r5400](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1403011-staff-software-engineer-autonomous-pilot-integration-weapons-r5400). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration - Weapons (R5400) - **Company:** Shield AI - **Location:** San Diego, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $195,200.0 - $292,800.0 - **Contract:** Temporary contract - **Skills:** C++ (Programming Language), Software Debugging, Desktop Computing, Embedded Software, Interoperability, Software Systems, Systems Integration, Multi-Agent Systems, SC Clearance, Linux Development, Build Tools - **Published:** July 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=237e2b4f25b12c72 ## About the Role * BS/MS in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience. * Typically requires 7+ years of relevant experience. * Expert C++ and Linux development experience. * Experience leading complex autonomy or embedded software integration efforts. * Experience influencing technical direction across multiple engineering teams. * Experience supporting operational test events or customer deployments. * Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance., * Experience with launched effects or distributed autonomous systems. * Experience integrating PX4, ArduPilot, or custom autopilot solutions. * Experience with fleet-scale autonomous operations. * Experience with disconnected or air-gapped deployments. * Experience mentoring engineers and leading technical initiatives. * Experience with UCI, OMS, MOSA, WOSA, or TAK/CoT. ## Description Lead Technical Delivery - Lead the technical execution of major autonomy capabilities; drive technical direction, coordinate cross-functional execution, mentor engineers, and help deliver complex integration efforts. Develop & Field Autonomy - Develop and integrate autonomy software solutions onto launched effects platforms, including autopilot integration, payload systems, executive autonomy, multi-agent coordination, and fleet-scale deployment to disconnected or air-gapped environments. Collaboration Across Teams & Partners - Serve as a primary technical interface with the Autonomy Capabilities team, Perception team, feature crews, autopilot vendors, C2 providers, and customer/contractor partners; influence interface definitions and coordinate integration across organizations. Design & Documentation - Lead design reviews, contribute to architecture decisions and ICDs, improve engineering rigor, and establish repeatable integration practices across multiple efforts. Pre-deployment Preparation - Drive mission readiness for Capability Releases and fleet-scale deployments by coordinating validation, release planning, hardware/software compatibility, and operational readiness. On-site Test & Mission Support - Provide technical leadership during flight tests, customer demonstrations, range exercises, and operational deployments while troubleshooting complex issues under time-critical constraints. Hardware/Software Debugging - Lead root-cause analysis across autonomy software, payload computers, embedded systems, networking, and platform interfaces using simulation, lab testing, and field data. Mission Data & Debrief Support - Analyze mission data, reproduce issues, coordinate corrective actions across engineering teams, and drive continuous improvements into future releases. Continuous Improvement - Build tools, automation, and engineering processes that improve deployment velocity, mission reliability, developer productivity, and integration efficiency. C2 Interoperability & Standards - Drive implementation of command-and-control interfaces and support compliance with open-systems standards while coordinating closely with external integration partners. Travel Requirement - Members of this team typically travel around 10-20% of the year to different office locations, customer sites, operator training events, flight tests, and integration exercises. ## Related Videos - [From Bedside Beeps to Interoperable Bytes – Getting your medical devices ready to talk the IEEE 11073 language](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/771-from-bedside-beeps-to-interoperable-bytes-getting-your-medical-devices-ready-to-talk-the-ieee-11073-language) - [Modern Data Architectures need Software Engineering](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1030-modern-data-architectures-need-software-engineering) - [Code to Road in < 12 hours](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1082-code-to-road-in-12-hours) - [WeAreDevelopers LIVE - GraalVM in action, Static Analysis insights and more](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1723-wearedevelopers-live-graalvm-in-action-static-analysis-insights-and-more) - [Building a framework-independent component library](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1679-building-a-framework-independent-component-library) - [Crew Management System for Airlines: Plan duties for pilots & flight attendants worldwide](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1444-crew-management-system-for-airlines-plan-duties-for-pilots-flight-attendants-worldwide) ## Related Articles - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Dev Digest 132 - Binging WADFlix?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/473-dev-digest-132-binging-wadflix) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs)