Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R5201)

Posted 5 Hours Ago
Be an Early Applicant
2 Locations
In-Office
132K-198K Annually
Mid level
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Develop and test autonomy behaviors for unmanned systems using production C++. Implement features for behavior, coordination, motion planning, and survivability. Participate in full software lifecycle, integrate with sensors/actuators, support simulation and real-world testing, collaborate cross-functionally, and travel up to 20% to support integration and testing. Must be eligible for a U.S. Secret clearance.
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. 

About The Team

The Autonomy Capabilities team at Shield AI has assembled a diverse team of experts in software, robotics, control systems, optimization, and data analysis to create software solutions that greatly evolve the capabilities of our customers. The team is responsible for developing autonomous behaviors within Shield AI’s industry-leading mission autonomy software stack and deploying them across a breadth of platforms, including the Anduril Fury, Northrup Grumman Talon, Shield AI V-Bat, and other first and third-party autonomous vehicles. We work in close coordination with specialist teams in software integration, hardware, and test engineering to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers.

About the Job:

    As an Engineer II, you’ll help build and test the autonomy behaviors that power our unmanned systems, working closely with experienced engineers to bring new capabilities to life. You’ll focus on implementing and validating well-defined features while developing your skills in autonomy, robotics, and large-scale software systems. In this role, you’ll gain exposure to how autonomy software moves from concept to real-world deployment, contributing to systems that operate in complex, high-stakes environments.

What You'll Do:

  • 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

Required Qualifications:

  • 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

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 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)

#LB
#LI-ED1

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.
 
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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

  • BS in Computer Science, Aerospace, Electrical, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • Experience in production-level C++ software development
  • 2-3 years experience in one or more: software sub-system scheduling and integration, behavior planning, task and resource allocation, motion planning, optimization, or flight controls
  • Experience with collaborative software development tools (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 delivery of a military mission system or familiarity with mission systems integration, testing, or demonstrations
  • Experience (academic or project-based) in motion planning, behavior planning, or multi-agent coordination
  • Exposure to autonomy, control, or decision-making systems and 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
  • Familiarity with systems engineering fundamentals and software/systems development lifecycle
  • Exposure to high-assurance or safety-critical software concepts (e.g., DO-178C or similar)

What the Team is Saying

Dylan
Mo
Willy
Michael
Vibhav
Kirby
Ryan
Evan

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.

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The Company
HQ: Port Melbourne, Victoria
Year Founded: 2015

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
HQMelbourne, Victoria
HQSan Diego, CA
Abu Dhabi, AE
Arlington, VA
Boston, US
Frisco, US
Kyiv, UA
Melbourne, AU
Oslo, NO
Prosper, TX
Taipei City, TW
Taipei City, TW
Waltham, MA
Washington, US
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