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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration - Emerging Domains - **Company:** Shield AI - **Location:** United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Temporary contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, C++ (Programming Language), Continuous Integration, Software Debugging, Linux, Interoperability, Python (Programming Language), Rapid Prototyping Process, Real-Time Operating Systems, Systems Integration, Multi-Agent Systems, SC Clearance, Docker - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/senior-software-engineer-autonomous-pilot-integration-emerging-domains-r5423-shield-ai-8781423 ## About the Role * BS/MS in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience. * Typically requires 5+ years of relevant experience. * Strong proficiency in C++ and Linux-based development. * Experience integrating embedded or real-time software systems. * Experience supporting integration, testing, or operational field events. * Strong systems-level problem-solving skills. * Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance., * Experience with autonomous aircraft, maritime systems, spacecraft, or robotics. * Experience with autonomy software, autopilot integration, or robotics frameworks. * Python, Docker, or CI/CD experience. * Experience working in early-stage R&D or rapid prototyping environments. * Experience supporting DoD customers or field demonstrations. ## Description Stand Up New Capabilities - Help establish autonomy on new platforms and mission areas by integrating existing Shield AI capabilities with platform-specific software and developing new autonomy where needed. Develop & Field Autonomy - Develop and integrate autonomy software onto emerging-domain platforms, including platform and autopilot integration, payload and sensor integration, mission behaviors, multi-agent coordination, and validation through software-, hardware-, vehicle-, and live testing. Platform Team Partnerships - Partner closely with platform teams to integrate autonomy capabilities, validate interfaces, coordinate hardware/software compatibility, and support mission readiness. Collaboration Across Teams & Partners - Work with the Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS teams, feature crews, and customer/program offices to deliver integrated autonomy solutions. Design & Documentation - Contribute to design reviews, ICDs, integration planning, and post-mortems while improving engineering rigor across teams. Pre-deployment Preparation - Build, configure, validate, and prepare mission-ready systems while coordinating release readiness with platform and capability teams. On-site Test & Mission Support - Support flight tests, maritime trials, ground testing, customer demonstrations, and operational exercises through system bring-up, troubleshooting, and mission execution. Hardware/Software Debugging - Diagnose and resolve integration issues across autonomy software, payload computers, embedded systems, and platform interfaces. Mission Data & Debrief Support - Capture mission data, reproduce issues in simulation, and partner with capability owners to rapidly improve future releases. Continuous Improvement - Develop tools and engineering processes that improve integration velocity, testing reliability, and mission readiness. C2 Interoperability & Standards - Implement and validate interfaces with command-and-control systems while supporting program-appropriate interoperability standards. 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 - [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) - [The Software Engineer 2030: From Coder To AI Orchestrator? - Patrick Schnell](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1825-the-software-engineer-2030-from-coder-to-ai-orchestrator-patrick-schnell) - [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) - [Robots are coming into the wild! 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