Senior Staff Engineer, Systems Integration (R5415)

This position is ideal for a C++ generalist who thrives on tackling complex challenges in systems and systems integration. If you enjoy building cross-language software, improving CI/CD pipelines, and integrating distributed real-time systems, you’ll find this role rewarding. Join a team that’s driving innovation through robust software engineering and practical integration work across simulation environments, third-party systems, and development workflows. What You’ll Do:

• Design, implement, and maintain C++ and Python software in support of complex, cross-platform systems.
• Contribute to system architecture with a focus on performance, maintainability, and integration.
• Develop and support APIs and messaging interfaces (e.g., gRPC, REST, ZeroMQ).
• Integrate third-party software and hardware systems, including real-time and simulation tools.
• Debug and support distributed systems, with attention to threading, timing, and data flow.
• Apply modern agile practices such as test-driven development, continuous integration, and automated testing.
• Improve and maintain CI/CD workflows using tools like GitLab CI, Docker, CMake, and Conan.
• Collaborate across teams and projects to share solutions and promote good software practices.
• Continuously learn and adapt to new tools, standards, and technologies.

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 4 years and a Master’s degree; or 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• Strong proficiency in modern C++ (C++14/17/20) with the ability to work effectively in legacy codebases (C++98/03).
• Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments, including system-level development and debugging tools.
• Experience with Python.
• Professional experience in Linux environments (Windows experience is a bonus).
• Solid understanding of system-level engineering and design patterns.
• Experience in a collaborative environment with CI/CD and test automation.
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker.
• Active SECRET clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience integrating distributed simulation environments such as AFSIM or NGTS.
• Familiarity with open standards like UCI and OMS, and an understanding of data buses and interface protocols common in avionics and aircraft systems.
• Familiarity with simulation tools and modeling frameworks.
• Experience with networking concepts and messaging infrastructure.
• Hands-on experience with CMake, Conan, and GitLab CI/CD pipelines.
• Exposure to real-time systems and hardware/software integration.
• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai . Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn , X , Instagram , and YouTube .