Job Description:
As a member of the Software Autonomy team, you will be responsible for creating and maintaining all of control and autonomy algorithms within the VBAT code base. This is a full lifecycle development opportunity with algorithm development, software design and coding, unit tests, component tests, flight software qualification and flight test support. You will also be responsible for helping update and validate the simulation models as required.
Required qualifications:
Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 2 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD.
Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed expectations in a fast-paced environment..
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a focus on delivering user-centric software solutions.
Experience working with control systems, specifically unmanned aerial systems and/or robotics to include
Outer loop path planning / trajectory synthesis
Integrating software in a hierarchical environment
Preferred qualifications:
Familiarity with continuous integration / delivery and test-driven development
Strong C++ and Python coding experience
Simulation model development, verification and validation
Controls knowledge with experience in
Linear system analysis
Gain/Phase margin analysis
Time response
Filter development and verification / validation
First order filters
Kalman filters
Bandpass filters
Skills Required
- Minimum 5 years related experience with Bachelor's degree (or 2 years with Master's, or PhD)
- Proven track record of shipping products through development cycles
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
- Experience with control systems for unmanned aerial systems and/or robotics
- Outer loop path planning / trajectory synthesis experience
- Experience integrating software in a hierarchical environment
- Familiarity with continuous integration / delivery
- Familiarity with test-driven development
- Strong C++ coding experience
- Strong Python coding experience
- Simulation model development, verification and validation
- Controls knowledge: linear system analysis
- Controls knowledge: gain/phase margin analysis
- Controls knowledge: time response analysis
- Filter development and verification/validation (first order, Kalman, bandpass)
What the Team is Saying
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.
Shield AI Insights
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.
