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Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Lead architecture, implementation, and operationalisation of high-performance, real-time and faster-than-real-time distributed simulation systems for mission autonomy. Deliver containerised simulation deployments, integrate defence simulation frameworks, support multi‑agent and system‑of‑systems scenarios, provide technical leadership to cross-functional teams, and enable CI/CD, test automation, and validated simulation environments for customer programs and R&D.
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.
As a Senior Staff Engineer in Modelling and Simulation, you will lead the development, integration, and operationalisation of simulation capabilities that enable Hivemind Mission Autonomy programs in Australia. You will architect, 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 cutting‑edge uncrewed aircraft mission autonomy.
This role involves significant technical leadership, cross‑functional collaboration, and delivery of complex simulation frameworks that support both customer programs and internal R&D. You will directly contribute to scalable, operationally representative simulation ecosystems that underpin mission‑critical software development.
What you'll do:
- Lead the architecture, design, and evolution of distributed, real‑time simulation systems across virtual, constructive, and live environments.
- Architect and 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, high‑fidelity environments, and system‑of‑systems simulations.
- Integrate defence simulation frameworks such as AFSIM or NGTS to accelerate 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.
- Provide technical and project leadership to engineering teams of 5+ contributors across software, autonomy, perception, test, and program functions.
- Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to connect simulation with autonomy algorithms, hardware interfaces, and automated test pipelines.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement in CI/CD, test‑driven development, software architecture, and simulation tooling.
- Support key customer programs by delivering robust, validated, and scalable simulation environments.
Required qualifications:
- 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 containerisation 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 being an effective and kind teammate.
- Ability to obtain an Australian NV1 security clearance.
Preferred qualifications:
- Defence industry experience.
- Experience with uncrewed systems, particularly in the air domain.
- Experience with AFSIM, NGTS, or similar defence simulation environments.
- Experience with data processing, analysis pipelines, or test automation workflows (especially Python‑based).
This role supports work requiring eligibility to view ITAR and Australian export‑controlled information.
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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.
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, colour, 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
- Tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechatronics, or 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.
- Experience 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 containerisation technologies.
- Proficiency working in Linux development environments.
- Ability to obtain an Australian NV1 security clearance.
- Strong problem-solving capability and collaborative teamwork history.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Typical time on-site:
3 days a week
