Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy - Tactical Behaviors

Shield AI, a pioneering deep-tech company founded in 2015, is seeking a Senior Staff Engineer to join their Autonomy team focusing on Tactical Behaviors. This role represents a unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of autonomous systems development for defense applications.

The position combines classical autonomous systems algorithms with deep reinforcement learning to create advanced solutions for unmanned aircraft operating across air, sea, and land domains. As a Senior Staff Engineer, you'll be responsible for designing and implementing tactical autonomy algorithms that enable complex missions with minimal human supervision.

The role requires a deep technical background with at least 10 years of experience (or equivalent with advanced degrees) in robotics, autonomous systems, and software development. Proficiency in C++ and Python is essential, along with expertise in real-time operating systems and simulation environments. The successful candidate will work on high-impact projects that directly support national defense initiatives.

What makes this role particularly exciting is the opportunity to work on real-world applications of cutting-edge technology. You'll be involved in everything from algorithm design to field testing, working with cross-functional teams across multiple locations. The position offers competitive compensation ($220,800 - $331,200) plus bonus, benefits, and equity.

Shield AI has a strong presence with offices across the US and internationally, including San Diego, Dallas, Washington D.C., Boston, and international locations. The company's commitment to protecting service members and civilians through intelligent systems makes this an ideal role for someone who wants to make a meaningful impact while working on challenging technical problems.

The position requires about 10-15% travel to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events, offering a dynamic work environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior technologist who wants to work at the intersection of classical autonomy and machine learning, while contributing to meaningful defense capabilities.