As an Engineer II, Modelling and Simulation, you will support the development, integration and operationalisation of simulation capabilities that enable Hivemind Mission Autonomy programs in Australia. You will implement and maintain high performance real time and faster than real time simulation environments used by autonomy, perception and systems engineering teams to design, test and demonstrate advanced uncrewed aircraft mission autonomy.
This role involves the delivery of complex simulation frameworks that support both customer programs and internal R&D. You will contribute directly to scalable, operationally representative simulation ecosystems that underpin mission critical software development.
What you'll do:
- Support the design and evolution of distributed real time simulation systems across virtual, constructive and live environments.
Implement high performance C++ software for modelling, simulation, integration workflows and system interoperability, including compatibility with legacy standards.
Develop and optimise real time and distributed simulation software supporting multi agent scenarios and high fidelity environments.
Integrate defence simulation frameworks such as AFSIM or NGTS to support delivery and ensure alignment with defence customer expectations.
Design and deliver containerised simulation deployments using technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes for development, CI, testing and operational environments.
Collaborate with cross functional teams to connect simulation with autonomy algorithms, hardware interfaces and automated test pipelines.
Drive improvement across CI/CD, test driven development, software architecture and simulation tooling.
Support key customer programs by delivering reliable and scalable simulation environments.
Required qualifications:
Tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechatronics or a related field.
Professional experience in software engineering and systems integration.
Strong experience with modern C++ and familiarity with legacy C++ standards.
Professional experience with Python.
Demonstrated success delivering reliable software in fast paced engineering environments.
Experience with real time or distributed simulation systems.
Experience with Docker or similar containerisation technologies.
Proficiency working in Linux development environments.
Strong problem solving capability and the ability to work through complex technical challenges.
Strong history of collaboration, accountability and being an effective team member.
Ability to obtain an Australian NV1 security clearance.
Preferred qualifications:
Defence industry experience.
Experience with uncrewed systems, particularly in the air domain.
Experience with data processing, analysis pipelines or test automation workflows (especially Python based).
Eligibility Requirements
Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems, and this role supports that mission directly by working with Australian Government classified material. It requires an Australian Government security clearance at [Baseline / NV1 / NV2] level.
You don't need to hold a clearance already, we will sponsor your clearance and support you, because mission first, people always. Australian citizenship is a mandatory requirement for this role. It is a condition of clearance eligibility set by the Australian Government, eligibility details are here: https://www.agsva.gov.au/applicants/eligibility-suitability
Skills Required
- Tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field
- Extensive professional experience in software engineering and systems integration
- Strong experience with modern C++ and familiarity with legacy C++ standards
- Professional experience with Python
- Demonstrated success delivering reliable software in fast-paced engineering environments
- Experience leading teams delivering complex engineering or software projects
- Hands-on experience with real-time, distributed simulation systems or HWIL/SWIL environments
- Experience with Docker or similar containerization technologies
- Proficiency working in Linux development environments
- Strong problem-solving capability and ability to work through complex technical challenges
- Strong history of collaboration, accountability, and effective teamwork
- Ability to obtain an Australian NV1 security clearance
- Defense industry experience
- Experience with uncrewed systems, particularly in the air domain
- Experience with AFSIM, NGTS, or similar defense simulation environments
- Experience with data processing, analysis pipelines, or test automation workflows, especially Python-based
What the Team is Saying
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
-
Healthcare Strength — Company materials highlight comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with mental-health support and an EAP. Third-party benefits summaries also portray health coverage as a strong component of the package.
-
Retirement Support — Offerings include a 401(k) with employer matching, cited on the careers page and independent benefits directories. Multiple sources indicate a match exists, though exact formulas have varied over time and warrant confirmation.
-
Equity Value & Accessibility — Company communications describe equity for all full-time hires and stock benefits as part of total rewards. Independent listings also note company equity/RSUs as a standard element.
Shield AI Insights
What We Do
At Shield AI, you won't wait years to see your work reach the field. You'll build hardware and software that operates in the real world right now, in the hands of the people who depend on it. Hivemind, our AI pilot, has been flying since 2018. It has flown more than 30 platforms, including an F-16, and it now sits under a U.S. Air Force production contract for Collaborative Combat Aircraft. When you write code or shape a system here, you contribute to technology with a proven flight record and a clear production future. V-BAT flies intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions with an operational record that stretches from Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific. It delivers eyes where they matter most, in the most demanding conditions on earth. The teams behind it watch their work get tested where the stakes are real. X-BAT takes its first flight this year. It's an AI-piloted fighter that needs no runway, built to operate where traditional aircraft can't. Join now and you help shape a program at its earliest, most formative stage. That's the kind of ground-floor work that defines a career. Do the most impactful work of your life, on problems that matter. Autonomy at this level asks a lot of you. You'll take on problems in perception, planning, and control that few teams anywhere are equipped to solve. You'll work across disciplines, from aerospace and robotics to machine learning and systems engineering, alongside people who hold themselves to an exacting standard and expect the same from you. Our mission is clear: protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. That purpose runs through every decision, every design review, and every deployment. It's why the work here carries a weight you can feel. Ready to join our mission? Explore our open roles and find where you fit.
Why Work With Us
Founded in 2015 by a former Navy SEAL, Shield AI builds AI pilots and uncrewed aircraft. Veterans aren't an afterthought here, they're at every level. It's why the work carries weight: AI pilots and uncrewed aircraft flying real missions, from Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific, protecting service members and civilians.
Gallery
%203.jpg)
Shield AI Teams
.jpg)
Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
