Be an Early Applicant
Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Design, implement, and maintain C++ and Python software for cross-platform, distributed real-time systems. Contribute to system architecture, APIs/messaging (gRPC/REST/ZeroMQ), CI/CD, automated testing, and integration of third-party simulation and hardware. Debug threading/timing issues and improve development workflows.
Summary Generated by Built In
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
This position is ideal for a C++ generalist who thrives on tackling complex challenges in systems and systems integration. If you enjoy building cross-language software, improving CI/CD pipelines, and integrating distributed real-time systems, you’ll find this role rewarding. Join a team that’s driving innovation through robust software engineering and practical integration work across simulation environments, third-party systems, and development workflows.
What You'll Do:
- Design, implement, and maintain C++ and Python software in support of complex, cross-platform systems.
- Contribute to system architecture with a focus on performance, maintainability, and integration.
- Develop and support APIs and messaging interfaces (e.g., gRPC, REST, ZeroMQ). Integrate third-party software and hardware systems, including real-time and simulation tools.
- Debug and support distributed systems, with attention to threading, timing, and data flow.
- Apply modern agile practices such as test-driven development, continuous integration, and automated testing.
- Improve and maintain CI/CD workflows using tools like GitLab CI, Docker, CMake, and Conan.
- Collaborate across teams and projects to share solutions and promote good software practices.
- Continuously learn and adapt to new tools, standards, and technologies.
Required Qualifications:
- Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 4 years and a Master’s degree; or 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
- Strong proficiency in modern C++ (C++14/17/20) with the ability to work effectively in legacy codebases (C++98/03).
- Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments, including system-level development and debugging tools.
- Experience with Python.
- Professional experience in Linux environments (Windows experience is a bonus).
- Solid understanding of system-level engineering and design patterns.
- Experience in a collaborative environment with CI/CD and test automation.
- Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker.
- Active SECRET clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience integrating distributed simulation environments such as AFSIM or NGTS.
- Familiarity with open standards like UCI and OMS, and an understanding of data buses and interface protocols common in avionics and aircraft systems.
- Familiarity with simulation tools and modeling frameworks.
- Experience with networking concepts and messaging infrastructure.
- Hands-on experience with CMake, Conan, and GitLab CI/CD pipelines.
- Exposure to real-time systems and hardware/software integration.
#LI-LD1
#LC
#LC
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
###
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Skills Required
- Minimum experience: typically 5 years with Bachelor's (or 4 years + Master's, 2 years + PhD, or equivalent)
- Strong proficiency in modern C++ (C++14/17/20) and ability to work with legacy C++98/03 codebases
- Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments including system-level development and debugging tools
- Experience with Python
- Experience with CI/CD and test automation practices
- Experience with containerization technologies (Docker)
- Experience developing and supporting APIs and messaging interfaces (e.g., gRPC, REST, ZeroMQ)
- Solid understanding of system-level engineering and design patterns
- Active SECRET clearance
- Windows experience
- Experience integrating distributed simulation environments (AFSIM or NGTS)
- Familiarity with UCI and OMS standards, avionics data buses, and interface protocols
- Familiarity with simulation tools and modeling frameworks
- Hands-on experience with CMake, Conan, and GitLab CI/CD pipelines
- Exposure to real-time systems and hardware/software integration
- Experience with networking concepts and messaging infrastructure
What the Team is Saying
Dylan
Lead Engineer, Planning and Controls-Motion
Mo
Lead Engineer, Platform Automation
Willy
Technical Director
Michael
Engineering Manager - State Estimation
Vibhav
Senior Staff Engineer
Kirby
Mechanical Engineer
Ryan
CEO
Evan
Senior Machine Learning Engineer
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
-
Healthcare Strength — Company materials describe excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside a mental‑health EAP. Site perks such as an onsite gym in DC and a gym discount in San Diego support a health‑focused offering.
-
Retirement Support — Careers materials highlight a 401(k) with company match as part of the standard package. A Total Rewards overview emphasizes retirement features within a broader, transparent compensation view.
-
Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Compensation for in‑demand technical and senior go‑to‑market roles is described as competitive, with visible engineering ranges and top‑end packages. This points to meaningful upside tied to role, level, and scarce skills.
Shield AI Insights
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
Why Work With Us
What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy, and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges, we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software, AI, and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.
Gallery
Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Typical time on-site:
3 days a week
