Senior Autonomy Flight Software Integration and Test Engineer
Description For Senior Autonomy Flight Software Integration and Test Engineer
Shield AI, a pioneering defense technology company founded in 2015, is seeking a Senior Autonomy Flight Software Integration and Test Engineer to join their innovative team. This role represents a unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge autonomous systems, specifically their flagship Hivemind software platform that powers various aircraft and drones for military and defense applications.
The position combines hands-on software engineering with practical field operations, requiring expertise in both technical development and customer-facing activities. The successful candidate will be responsible for integrating and testing Hivemind on various UAV platforms, conducting field demonstrations, and ensuring optimal performance of autonomous systems in real-world conditions.
This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in software development, particularly in C++ programming, and experience with UAV systems or robotics. The position requires a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills, as you'll be working directly with customers in high-stakes environments.
Key aspects of the role include developing and debugging software components, conducting flight tests, analyzing results, and working cross-functionally with various teams to optimize mission performance. The position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in the defense sector, contributing to meaningful projects that protect service members and civilians.
Based in the San Diego Metro Area, this role requires 30% travel and offers a competitive salary range of $129,467 - $194,201. The position provides an excellent opportunity for growth in the rapidly expanding field of autonomous systems and defense technology, working with a company that has established itself as a leader in military autonomous systems.
Responsibilities For Senior Autonomy Flight Software Integration and Test Engineer
- Support live customer demonstrations of Hivemind autonomy by setting up and operating software on UAVs in field environments
- Develop, test, and debug software components for flight operations
- Conduct flight testing of UAV autonomy, logging results, debugging issues
- Work cross-functionally with engineering, product, and customer success teams
- Analyze and document flight test results
- Collaborate directly with customers, pilots, and engineers
- Contribute to automation tools for telemetry collection, flight data analysis, and debugging
Requirements For Senior Autonomy Flight Software Integration and Test Engineer
- B.S in Computer Science, AI, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering or similar
- 5+ years of experience in software development with strong proficiency in C++
- Experience working with UAV flight software, autonomy, or robotics systems
- Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills, particularly in real-time field environments
- Familiarity with flight controllers (PX4, ArduPilot, or similar) and UAV integration workflows
- Experience conducting field tests and live demonstrations with autonomous systems
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally (30%)
- Strong communication skills and ability to work directly with customers in high-stakes environments
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