Shield AI is looking to integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces, and to bridge the gap between R&D and deployment, ensuring that autonomous systems function reliably and effectively.
Requirements
- 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.
- 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.
- Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines.
Responsibilities
- Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
- Own the build, configuration, and validation process for flight-ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness.
- Travel to test sites and support live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring-up, and troubleshooting under time-critical constraints.
- Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy software stacks and embedded systems in lab and field environments.
- Manage data collection during missions and post-test analysis, working with autonomy engineers to refine behaviors and identify improvements.
- Work closely with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure mission-critical functionality is delivered on time and validated thoroughly.
- Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, flight test reliability, and team efficiency across deployment cycles.
Other
- Members of this team typically travel around 30-40% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events).
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
- BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
- Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns.
