> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1428590-staff-software-engineer-autonomous-pilot-integration-emerg](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1428590-staff-software-engineer-autonomous-pilot-integration-emerg). 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 - Emerg - **Company:** Shield AI - **Location:** Boston, MA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Temporary contract - **Skills:** C++ (Programming Language), Software Debugging, Interoperability, Systems Integration, SC Clearance, Linux Development - **Published:** July 24, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9055132/staff-software-engineer-autonomous-pilot-integration-emerg ## 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 systems integration efforts. * Experience influencing technical direction across engineering teams. * Experience operating successfully in ambiguous or rapidly evolving technical environments. * Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance. * Experience standing up autonomy on new platforms. * Experience with autonomous aircraft, maritime, or space systems. * Experience mentoring engineers and leading technical initiatives. * Experience with military test events or customer deployments. * Experience with UCI, OMS, STANAG 4586, or comparable interoperability standards. ## Description end-to-end from software-in-the-loop, to hardware-in-the-loop, to vehicle-in-the-loop, to live test exercise. In this role, you'll lead the technical delivery of complex autonomy capabilities across Emerging Domains, helping establish first-of-their-kind autonomy solutions for new platforms and mission areas. You'll own challenging integration efforts, influence technical direction across multiple subsystems, and work closely with platform teams and cross-functional engineering organizations to transition early R&D efforts into scalable, operational capabilities. Stand Up New Programs - Lead technical efforts to establish autonomy on new platforms, determining how best to leverage existing Shield AI capabilities while developing new platform-specific solutions. Navigate Ambiguity & Shifting Priorities - Operate effectively as programs evolve, adapting technical plans, balancing competing priorities, and maintaining engineering momentum through changing customer and program requirements. Develop & Field Autonomy - Lead development and integration of autonomy software across emerging-domain platforms, including platform interfaces, payload integration, mission autonomy, and operational deployment. Technical Leadership - Lead feature crews or major integration efforts, mentor engineers, remove technical obstacles, and drive delivery of complex capabilities. Platform Team Partnerships - Serve as a primary technical partner to platform engineering teams while coordinating interface evolution, hardware/software compatibility, and mission readiness. Collaboration Across Teams & Partners - Coordinate closely with Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS, feature crews, customer/program offices, and external partners to deliver integrated autonomy solutions. Design & Documentation - Lead design reviews, architecture discussions, ICD development, and engineering improvements across multiple efforts. Pre-deployment Preparation - Drive validation, release readiness, hardware/software integration, and mission preparation for operational deployments. On-site Test & Mission Support - Provide technical leadership during live testing, demonstrations, and operational events across air, maritime, space, and emerging platforms. Hardware/Software Debugging - Lead root-cause analysis across complex autonomy stacks, embedded systems, and platform interfaces. Mission Data & Debrief Support - Drive post-mission analysis and coordinate engineering improvements based on operational results. Continuous Improvement - Improve engineering processes, testing infrastructure, integration workflows, and deployment efficiency. C2 Interoperability & Standards - Drive implementation of command-and-control interfaces and interoperability standards appropriate for each platform. 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