Senior Staff Engineer Autonomy Software Integration & Test

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. What you'll do: • Develop and contribute production-quality software features and capabilities for autonomous systems • Design, implement, debug, and maintain software components supporting autonomy, mission execution, system integration, and flight operations • Integrate autonomy software onto fixed-wing, multirotor, and other unmanned or autonomous systems • Develop internal tools, automation, telemetry analysis pipelines, and test infrastructure in C++ and Python • Support software bring-up, system configuration, and mission readiness for flight operations • Debug and troubleshoot issues across autonomy software, onboard compute, radios, networking, sensors, flight controllers, and mission systems • Support simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, ground testing, and live flight test activities • Support field demonstrations and operational test events, including pre-flight setup, system validation, troubleshooting, and post-flight analysis • Operate and troubleshoot Ground Control Stations (GCS) and mission support systems • Capture, analyze, and review flight and system data to support root cause analysis and system improvements • Work closely with autonomy, systems, hardware, and flight test teams to rapidly integrate and validate new capabilities • Support rapid software iteration and operational testing in dynamic startup and field environments • Contribute to operational documentation, test procedures, integration workflows, and deployment readiness activities • Travel to test sites and support field operations as required Required qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience • 3+ years of experience developing and integrating software for robotics, autonomy, aerospace, embedded systems, or related technical fields • Strong software engineering experience in C++ and Python, including development, debugging, and system integration • Experience contributing to complex software systems in robotics, autonomy, aerospace, embedded systems, or related domains • Experience working with Linux-based systems and development environments • Hands-on experience integrating and troubleshooting hardware and software systems • Experience supporting field testing, flight testing, demonstrations, or operational exercises • Familiarity with MAVLink, PX4, ArduPilot, QGroundControl, or related unmanned systems technologies • Experience debugging distributed or cross-disciplinary systems involving software, networking, sensors, radios, onboard compute, and mission systems • Strong sense of ownership and ability to operate independently in fast-paced environments • Strong problem-solving mindset and willingness to work across disciplines • Ability to travel within Ukraine as required Preferred qualifications: • Experience supporting autonomous aircraft or unmanned systems • Experience with SIL, HIL, VIL, simulation, or flight test environments • Familiarity with ROS, DDS, embedded systems, or real-time systems • Experience with RF communications, datalinks, and networking systems • Experience supporting live flight demonstrations or operational deployments • Familiarity with flight controllers, avionics systems, and aircraft integration • Experience building internal tools for testing, automation, telemetry analysis, or operational support • Background in defense, robotics, aerospace, or autonomous systems • Ukrainian and English language proficiency • Experience operating in fast-paced and dynamic field environments Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.