Lead Application Developer

Shield AI, a pioneering defense technology company founded in 2015, is seeking a Lead Application Developer to spearhead their digital manufacturing and supply chain solutions. This role represents a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of defense technology and advanced software development.

The position involves leading the design and implementation of critical systems using Palantir Foundry, effectively transforming Shield AI's operational ecosystem. As the technical lead, you'll be responsible for building applications that serve as the company's Manufacturing Execution System (MES), material planning engine, and supplier portal. The role requires a sophisticated blend of technical expertise and business acumen, particularly in replacing legacy systems with a modern, unified operational platform.

What makes this role particularly compelling is its position at the forefront of defense manufacturing innovation. You'll be working with cutting-edge technologies, including LLMs and AI integration, while collaborating with cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, and Palantir partners. The role offers significant opportunity for technical leadership and mentorship, as you'll be guiding solution architecture and mentoring new Foundry developers.

The ideal candidate brings substantial experience with Python and React (5+ years), along with hands-on Palantir Foundry development experience (2+ years). Your expertise in integrating LLMs and AI-driven workflows into operational systems will be crucial for advancing Shield AI's technological capabilities. The position offers competitive compensation ($157,595 - $236,393) plus bonus, benefits, and equity, reflecting the senior nature of the role.

Shield AI's presence across multiple global locations (San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi, Kyiv, and Melbourne) speaks to its international impact. The company's mission of protecting service members and civilians through intelligent, autonomous systems offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to defense technology advancement while working with state-of-the-art tools and methodologies.