Software Engineer (Autonomy Behaviors)

• The Autonomy Capabilities team at Shield AI has assembled a diverse team of experts in software, robotics, control systems, optimization, and data analysis to create software solutions that greatly evolve the capabilities of our customers
• The team is responsible for developing autonomous behaviors within Shield AI’s industry-leading mission autonomy software stack and deploying them across a breadth of platforms, including the Anduril Fury, Northrup Grumman Talon, Shield AI V-Bat, and other first and third-party autonomous vehicles
• We work in close coordination with specialist teams in software integration, hardware, and test engineering to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers
• As an Engineer II, you’ll help build and test the autonomy behaviors that power our unmanned systems, working closely with experienced engineers to bring new capabilities to life. You’ll focus on implementing and validating well-defined features while developing your skills in autonomy, robotics, and large-scale software systems
• In this role, you’ll gain exposure to how autonomy software moves from concept to real-world deployment, contributing to systems that operate in complex, high-stakes environments
• Implement tactical autonomy software features that enable unmanned platforms to perform complex missions across air, land, sea, and space domains
• Develop and test behaviors supporting coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios
• Participate in the software development lifecycle, including implementation, testing, debugging, and supporting verification and validation efforts
• Collaborate with senior engineers to integrate software components with broader system elements (e.g., sensor processing, communications, and actuation)
• Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code following established engineering standards and team practices
• Support integration and testing across simulation and real-world environments
• Work with cross-functional teams to understand requirements and support successful feature delivery
• Continue building expertise in software engineering, autonomy, and robotics systems
• Travel up to 20% to support testing, integration, and collaboration with partner teams

Benefits

• Excellent Medical Coverage
• Mental Health Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Flexible Work Hours
• Onsite Gym (DC)
• Gym Discount (San Diego)
• Free Parking
• Competitive Compensation
• Stock Benefits
• 401K Services and Match- Experience in production-level C++ software development
• BS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Ability to contribute to the design, development, and integration of complex software systems as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Willingness to collaborate closely with teammates and support team objectives
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
• Desire to work in a highly collaborative, fast paced, and mission-driven environment
• 2-3 years of 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
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to learn new technologies in a fast-paced environment
• Interest in growing technical skills and, over time, providing guidance to more junior engineers
• Experience with collaborative software development tools for version control, issue tracking, code reviews, release management
• Exposure to systems operating at different technology readiness levels (TRLs) through academic, research, or internship experience
• Experience in the delivery of a military mission system
• Familiarity with mission systems integration concepts, testing, or demonstrations
• Experience (academic or project-based) in one or more of the following areas:
• Motion planning, behavior planning, or multi-agent coordination
• Expose to autonomy, control, or decision-making systems
• Safety mechanisms such as collision avoidance or constraint enforcement
• Familiarity with robotic software tools (e.g., ROS, OMPL, or similar frameworks)
• Experience using simulation environments for development or testing
• Basic understanding of navigation and/or communications systems
• Awareness of the software or systems development lifecycle
• Familiarity with systems engineering fundamentals
• Exposure to high-assurance or safety-critical software concepts (e.g., DO-178C or similar)