Senior Staff Software Engineer (Autonomy Capabilities)

Shield AI

San Mateo, CA, United States Posted October 23, 2026

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Hybrid Full-time Senior
Salary Range

$280,512 - $420,768

Job Description

Join Shield AI as a Senior Staff Software Engineer in the Autonomy Capabilities Team. This team focuses on developing functionality to automate single- and multi-agent teams of platforms in pursuit of mission objectives. You will work on tactical autonomy design, high-performance software development, behavior architecture implementation, hybrid autonomy integration, cross-functional collaboration, deployment and field testing, mission data analysis, R&D and roadmapping, and program support and adaptation. The position requires a strong background in robotics technologies, programming languages, and unmanned system technologies.

  • Conception et développement d'algorithmes d'autonomie tactique pour permettre aux aéronefs sans pilote d'effectuer des missions complexes.
  • Développement de modules logiciels haute performance intégrant la planification, la prise de décision et l'exécution des comportements.
  • Collaboration avec des équipes interfonctionnelles pour assurer l'intégration transparente des solutions d'autonomie sur des plateformes réelles.
  • 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
  • Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
  • Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (specifically air domain)
  • Significant background in robotics technologies related to motion planning, behavior modeling, decision-making, or autonomous system design
  • Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance
  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
  • Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years and a Master’s degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
  • Experience applying ML/RL techniques in autonomy pipelines
  • Background in collaborative behaviors, swarm robotics, or distributed decision-making
  • Familiarity with tactical behaviors for unmanned systems in DoD or government programs
  • Work on behaviors applicable across air, ground, and maritime vehicles
  • Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises
  • Experience with UCI and OMS Standards
Required Skills
software development cross-functional collaboration collaboration testing data analysis roadmapping problem solving troubleshooting C++ Python decision making system design electrical engineering mechanical engineering communication machine learning
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