> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1408077-senior-staff-software-engineer-autonomous-pilot-integration-emerging-domains-r5398](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1408077-senior-staff-software-engineer-autonomous-pilot-integration-emerging-domains-r5398). 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 Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration - Emerging Domains (R5398) - **Company:** Shield AI - **Location:** San Diego, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $233,760.0 - $350,640.0 - **Contract:** Temporary contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, C++ (Programming Language), Software Debugging, Linux, Interoperability, Software Systems, Systems Integration, SC Clearance, Operational Systems - **Published:** July 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=c03bc29db6e7ac39 ## About the Role * BS/MS in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience. Typically requires 10+ years of relevant experience. * Expert-level C++ and Linux systems development experience. * Demonstrated experience defining technical strategy across multiple programs or engineering organizations. * Proven track record solving highly complex systems integration challenges in ambiguous environments. * Experience mentoring senior engineers and influencing engineering direction without formal authority. * Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance., * Experience leading first-of-kind autonomy or advanced R&D efforts. * Experience across multiple autonomy domains (air, maritime, space, ground, or robotics). * Experience transitioning prototypes into operational systems. * Experience with government R&D programs and defense customers. * Experience shaping engineering practices across an organization. * Experience with UCI, OMS, STANAG 4586, or other defense interoperability standards. ## Description Stand Up New Programs - Define the technical strategy for establishing autonomy on entirely new platforms and mission areas, determining what should be built, reused, or extended from existing Shield AI capabilities. Navigate Ambiguity & Shifting Priorities - Lead engineering through evolving customer needs, changing priorities, and uncertain technical landscapes while maintaining execution and long-term technical vision. Technical Strategy & Portfolio Leadership - Define long-term technical direction across Emerging Domains, establishing architecture, integration strategies, and engineering patterns that enable successful transition from R&D to operational programs. Develop & Field Autonomy - Guide development and deployment of autonomy capabilities across space, maritime, contested logistics, and future emerging platforms while ensuring successful operational delivery. Platform Team Partnerships - Build deep technical partnerships with platform organizations and influence interface evolution, integration strategy, and long-term platform architecture. Collaboration Across Teams & Partners - Influence architecture across Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS, platform teams, engineering leadership, customer organizations, and external partners. Design & Documentation - Lead architecture reviews, engineering standards, ICDs, and technical best practices across multiple organizations. Pre-deployment Preparation - Guide release strategy, mission validation, and operational readiness across multiple emerging programs. On-site Test & Mission Support - Provide senior technical leadership during critical demonstrations, operational exercises, and customer events where deep systems expertise is required. Hardware/Software Debugging - Lead resolution of the organization's most challenging autonomy integration problems spanning software, hardware, embedded systems, and platform interfaces. Mission Data & Debrief Support - Drive organizational learning from operational testing and shape future technical investments based on mission outcomes. Continuous Improvement - Drive long-term improvements to engineering processes, developer experience, testing infrastructure, and integration workflows across the Emerging Domains portfolio. C2 Interoperability & Standards - Define technical strategy for command-and-control interoperability and guide adoption of platform-appropriate open-systems standards across emerging programs. Grow R&D into Programs - Partner with engineering leadership and customers to evolve successful R&D efforts into scalable, long-term programs while helping shape technical strategy for future portfolios. Hiring & Developing Technical Talent - Help define the technical hiring bar for senior engineering roles, mentor future technical leaders, and partner with managers to grow organizational capability. 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) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-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) - [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) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) - [Code to Road in < 12 hours](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1082-code-to-road-in-12-hours) ## 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 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [Stephan Gillich - Bringing AI Everywhere](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/489-stephan-gillich-bringing-ai-everywhere) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline)