Hiring: Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities (R5339) Company: Shield AI Location: San Mateo, CA Job Posted Time: 2026-09-03 10:33:14 Employment Type: Full-time / Hybrid Target Skills & Keywords : AI, C++, Machine Learning, Python, R, RTOS, Reinforcement Learning About the job Experience: •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. •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. Required Skills: •Tactical Autonomy Design – Design tactical autonomy algorithms to enable unmanned aircraft to perform complex missions across air, land, and sea domains with minimal human supervision. •High-Performance Software Development – Develop high-performance software modules that incorporate planning, decision-making, and behavior execution strategies for dynamic and adversarial environments. •Behavior Architecture Implementation – Implement and test behavior architectures that enable multi-agent coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios. •Hybrid Autonomy Integration – Work at the intersection of classical autonomy and machine learning, blending rule-based systems with learning-based methods such as reinforcement learning to achieve robust, adaptive behavior. •Cross-Functional Collaboration – Collaborate with cross-functional teams including perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test to ensure seamless integration of autonomy solutions on real-world platforms. •Deployment & Field Testing – Deploy autonomy capabilities to real platforms and participate in field tests and flight demos, validating performance in operationally relevant conditions. •Mission Data Analysis – Analyze mission logs and performance data to diagnose failures, optimize behavior models, and inform iterative development. •R&D and Roadmapping – Contribute to the autonomy roadmap by researching and prototyping new algorithms, identifying tactical capability gaps, and proposing novel solutions that advance Shield AI’s mission. Qualifications: •BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience •Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) •Significant background in one or several robotic technology areas related to control systems, motion planning, optimization, tactical behaviors, and/or distributed decision-making •Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (ideally in the space domain specifically) •Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance •Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment •Demonstrated capacity to obtain a SECRET clearance or higher •Background in collaborative behaviors and swarm robotics •Operational familiarity with domain-relevant DoD or government programs •Hands-on experience supporting integration events, customer demos, and/or live exercises Compensation: •$195,840 - $293,760 / year •Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity Interested candidates, please apply directly through the job posting on company's career page or try via AI auto apply on this platform. Don't miss this opportunity to join a forward-thinking team!