Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R4587)

Summary

Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians through intelligent systems. As a Software Engineer II, you will help develop and test autonomy behaviors for unmanned systems, working closely with experienced engineers to implement and validate software features.

Responsibilities

• Implement tactical autonomy software features that enable unmanned platforms to perform complex missions across air, land, sea, and space domains
• Develop and test behaviors supporting coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios
• Participate in the software development lifecycle, including implementation, testing, debugging, and supporting verification and validation efforts
• Collaborate with senior engineers to integrate software components with broader system elements (e.g., sensor processing, communications, and actuation)
• Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code following established engineering standards and team practices
• Support integration and testing across simulation and real-world environments
• Work with cross-functional teams to understand requirements and support successful feature delivery
• Continue building expertise in software engineering, autonomy, and robotics systems
• Travel up to 20% to support testing, integration, and collaboration with partner teams

Skills

• BS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Experience in production-level C++ software development
• 2-3 years of experience in one or more of the following: software sub-system scheduling and integration, behavior planning, task and resource allocation, motion planning, optimization, or flight controls
• Experience with collaborative software development tools for version control, issue tracking, code reviews, release management
• Ability to contribute to the design, development, and integration of complex software systems as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to learn new technologies in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to collaborate closely with teammates and support team objectives
• Interest in growing technical skills and, over time, providing guidance to more junior engineers
• Desire to work in a highly collaborative, fast paced, and mission-driven environment
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
• Exposure to systems operating at different technology readiness levels (TRLs) through academic, research, or internship experience
• Experience in the delivery of a military mission system
• Familiarity with mission systems integration concepts, testing, or demonstrations
• Experience (academic or project-based) in one or more of the following areas: Motion planning, behavior planning, or multi-agent coordination
• Expose to autonomy, control, or decision-making systems
• Safety mechanisms such as collision avoidance or constraint enforcement
• Familiarity with robotic software tools (e.g., ROS, OMPL, or similar frameworks)
• Experience using simulation environments for development or testing
• Basic understanding of navigation and/or communications systems
• Awareness of the software or systems development lifecycle
• Familiarity with systems engineering fundamentals
• Exposure to high-assurance or safety-critical software concepts (e.g., DO-178C or similar)

Qualifications

Must Haves

• BS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Experience in production-level C++ software development
• 2-3 years of experience in one or more of the following: software sub-system scheduling and integration, behavior planning, task and resource allocation, motion planning, optimization, or flight controls
• Experience with collaborative software development tools for version control, issue tracking, code reviews, release management
• Ability to contribute to the design, development, and integration of complex software systems as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to learn new technologies in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to collaborate closely with teammates and support team objectives
• Interest in growing technical skills and, over time, providing guidance to more junior engineers
• Desire to work in a highly collaborative, fast paced, and mission-driven environment
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Nice to Haves

• Exposure to systems operating at different technology readiness levels (TRLs) through academic, research, or internship experience
• Experience in the delivery of a military mission system
• Familiarity with mission systems integration concepts, testing, or demonstrations
• Experience (academic or project-based) in one or more of the following areas: Motion planning, behavior planning, or multi-agent coordination
• Expose to autonomy, control, or decision-making systems
• Safety mechanisms such as collision avoidance or constraint enforcement
• Familiarity with robotic software tools (e.g., ROS, OMPL, or similar frameworks)
• Experience using simulation environments for development or testing
• Basic understanding of navigation and/or communications systems
• Awareness of the software or systems development lifecycle
• Familiarity with systems engineering fundamentals
• Exposure to high-assurance or safety-critical software concepts (e.g., DO-178C or similar)

Benefits

• Bonus
• Benefits
• Equity
• Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)