Hiring: Staff Engineer, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration (R4983) Company: Shield AI Location: San Diego Metropolitan Area Job Posted Time: 2026-09-16 11:35:00 Employment Type: Full-time / On-site Target Skills & Keywords : AI, C++, Embedded Systems, Linux, Python, R, RTOS, Shell About the job Experience: •Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience. •7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience. Required Skills: •System Integration & Deployment — Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces. •Pre-flight Preparation — Own the build, configuration, and validation process for flight-ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness. •On-site Flight Test Support — Travel to test sites and support live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring-up, and troubleshooting under time-critical constraints. •Hardware/Software Debugging — Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy software stacks and embedded systems in lab and field environments. •Flight Data Capture & Analysis — Manage data collection during missions and post-test analysis, working with autonomy engineers to refine behaviors and identify improvements. •Collaboration Across Teams — Work closely with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure mission-critical functionality is delivered on time and validated thoroughly. •Continuous Improvement — Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, flight test reliability, and team efficiency across deployment cycles. •Support Certification and Compliance — Assist with documentation and system-level validation required for certification, airworthiness, and compliance in defense-relevant environments. 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). •Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics. •Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS). •Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises. •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. •Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns. •Operational familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines. Compensation: •$182,720 - $274,080 / 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!