Software Engineer, Autonomy Behaviors

The Autonomy Capabilities Team develops functionality to automate single- and multi-agent teams of platforms in pursuit of mission objectives and acts as a central discipline-aligned focal-point for encouraging consistent usage of technical approaches across business portfolios. This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and across a multitude of mission sets, platform types, and operational domains (e.g., air, sea, space). The team puts a strong emphasis on both fundamentals (e.g., aircraft kinematics/dynamics, trajectory design, optimization, information fusion, efficient algorithms, etc.) and software integration skillsets (e.g. structures, protocols, threading, interface management, etc.) to bring market-differentiating capabilities to customers that seamlessly operate within their integration contexts.

This position is perfect for an individual who enjoys solving complex problems across a diverse set of programs and integration contexts. An ideal candidate is expected to address operational system needs through a multitude of advanced methodologies that blend traditional control system approaches with advanced optimization. Developed solutions are expected to be integrated into real-world platforms with near-term program impacts and rewards and so balancing theory with practice and rigorous implementation is paramount. What You’ll Do:

• Develop tactical autonomy software to enable unmanned platforms to perform complex missions across air, land, sea, and space domains with limited human supervision
• Implement and test behaviors supporting multi-agent coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios
• Contribute across the software development lifecycle, including requirements, design, implementation, verification, and validation, following established engineering best practices
• Collaborate with senior engineers to design and build scalable, maintainable software components that integrate with broader system architecture (e.g., sensor processing, state estimation, communications, and actuation)
• Support reuse and extensibility of autonomy behaviors by contributing to shared frameworks and codebases
• Work with internal product and program teams to deliver capabilities to vehicle platforms, helping ensure successful integration and iteration over time
• Collaborate with cross-functional and external teams to align on interfaces and system requirements
• Apply strong software engineering fundamentals to solve complex technical problems, while continuing to grow domain expertise in autonomy and robotics systems
• Travel up to 20% to support integration, testing, and collaboration with end-users and partner teams

• BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Proficient in production-level C++ software development
• 5+ years’ experience in one or more of the following: software sub-system scheduling and integration, behavior planning, task and resource allocation, motion planning, optimization, or flight controls
• Experience with collaborative software development tools for version control, issue tracking, code reviews, release management
• Ability to contribute to the design, development, and integration of complex software systems as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to learn new technologies in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to collaborate closely with teammates and support team objectives
• Interest in growing technical skills and, over time, providing guidance to more junior engineers
• Desire to work in a highly collaborative, fast paced, and mission-driven environment
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance, * Experience working with systems at one or more technology readiness levels (TRLs), including supporting the maturation of research concepts toward operational use
• Experience with mission systems integration, including participation in integration events, testing, or demonstrations
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Collaborative mission planning, behavior planning, or coordinated teaming
• Motion planning across different vehicle types or constraints
• Sensor/target pairing, control strategies, or related autonomy functions
• Safety systems such as collision avoidance or geofencing
• Experience with robotic software ecosystems (e.g., ROS, OMPL, optimization tools)
• Experience with simulation tools for testing and validation
• Familiarity with navigation and communications systems
• Experience contributing to portions of the product development lifecycle
• Familiarity with systems engineering principles
• Familiarity with high-assurance software practices (e.g., DO-178C or similar standards)

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.