> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1403598-senior-software-engineer-autonomous-pilot-integration-weapons-r5427](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1403598-senior-software-engineer-autonomous-pilot-integration-weapons-r5427). 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). --- # Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration - Weapons (R5427) - **Company:** Shield AI - **Location:** San Diego, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $163,200.0 - $244,800.0 - **Contract:** Temporary contract - **Skills:** C++ (Programming Language), CMake, Continuous Integration, Software Debugging, Linux, Interoperability, Python (Programming Language), Motion Planning, Operational Data Store, Software Systems, Systems Integration, Test Data, Multi-Agent Systems, SC Clearance, Information Technology, Docker - **Published:** July 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=5cb091edbf030409 ## About the Role * BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience. * Typically requires 5+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent advanced degree experience). * Strong proficiency in C++ and experience developing or integrating real-time or embedded systems. * Experience with Linux-based development and embedded systems. * Experience integrating complex software and hardware systems. * Experience supporting system integration, testing, or field events. * Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance., * Experience with launched effects, unmanned systems, or autonomous platforms. * Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or comparable autopilot stacks. * Experience with multi-agent autonomy. * Python, Docker, CMake/Conan, or CI/CD experience. * Experience supporting military field exercises or defense customers. ## Description Develop & Field Autonomy - Develop and integrate autonomy software solutions onto launched effects platforms, including payload computer bring-up, autopilot integration (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot), multi-agent coordination, and deployment to disconnected or air-gapped environments. Own major features from software-in-the-loop through live flight testing and operational deployment. Technical Leadership - Own major features or subsystems; drive technical execution, contribute to design decisions, mentor teammates, and help deliver complex autonomy capabilities. Collaboration Across Teams & Partners - Partner closely with the Autonomy Capabilities team (motion planning, tactics), the Perception team, feature crews, autopilot vendors (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot), C2 providers, and customer/contractor partners to deliver integrated autonomy capabilities. Design & Documentation - Contribute to design reviews, ICDs, integration planning, and post-mortems while helping improve engineering rigor and cross-team execution. Pre-deployment Preparation - Build, configure, and validate mission-ready systems for Capability Releases and fleet-scale deployments; coordinate hardware/software compatibility, mission readiness, and release readiness across engineering teams. On-site Test & Mission Support - Travel to test sites, customer exercises, and live demonstrations to support flight operations, system bring-up, troubleshooting, and mission execution under operational timelines. Hardware/Software Debugging - Diagnose and resolve integration issues across autonomy software, payload computers, embedded systems, and platform interfaces using simulation, laboratory testing, and operational data. Mission Data & Debrief Support - Capture mission and test data, reproduce issues in simulation, and partner with autonomy capability owners to rapidly drive improvements into future releases. Continuous Improvement - Develop tools and processes that improve integration timelines, testing reliability, deployment efficiency, and mission readiness. C2 Interoperability & Standards - Implement and validate interfaces with C2 providers while supporting compliance with common message and open-systems standards (e.g., UCI, OMS, MOSA, WOSA, TAK/CoT). 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 - [Code to Road in < 12 hours](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1082-code-to-road-in-12-hours) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) - [Docker build without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100114-docker-build-without-docker) - [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) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [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) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)