The Aircraft Simulation team is the nerve center of autonomy integration at Shield AI. We deploy the innovative tools, intelligent models, and streamlined processes that make it possible to evaluate complex autonomous flight algorithms at scale. Our tools are utilized in a broad range of simulation—from mission autonomy simulation to Hardware-in-the-loop, and every layer between. In an era of rapid advancement in Artificial Intelligence, our goal is simple: make AI fly—safely, reliably, and fast.
As a Staff Modeling & Simulation Engineer, you will be a pivotal force in engineering Shield AI’s foundational simulation platform for our next-generation VTOL aircraft. You’ll develop our emerging simulation engine and deploy advanced aircraft models in C++ across multiple engineering domains—ranging from mathematical physics to the latest in surrogate machine learning methods. You will also utilize your multiphysics and aeronautical systems knowledge to conduct system performance analysis against test and vendor data to ensure simulation results are valid in operational scenarios, and simulation platforms are both stable and fast.
What you'll do:
- Develop infrastructure and models in C++ for autonomous aircraft simulation.
- Serve as a subject matter expert in modern aerospace and software engineering.
- Architect deterministic, high-performance simulation software.
- Lead verification and validation (V&V) analysis studies on models and model tooling.
- Collaborate tightly across autonomy, embedded, GNC, and test engineering teams to ensure our simulation mirrors real aircraft behavior and mission scenarios.
- Contribute to platform-agnostic simulation tooling to accelerate future development efforts.
- Train and guide junior engineers in modeling and simulation best practices.
Required qualifications:
- BS in Computer Science, Aerospace, Robotics, or related field.
- 7+ years of experience in simulation software development with C++ competency; exceptional candidates with less experience and demonstrated depth will be considered.
- Strong understanding of rigid-body dynamics, kinematics, and the physics of dynamic systems.
- Proven experience developing or integrating simulation systems for robotics, aerospace, and/or other complex dynamic systems (e.g., maritime, space, defense ground systems, or gaming).
- Ability to debug complex build and runtime environments.
- Experience with simulation verification and validation.
- Strong communication skills across software, hardware, and systems disciplines.
- Must be eligible to obtain a Secret Clearance; Secret clearance eligibility requires US Citizenship.
Preferred qualifications:
- MS or PhD in Computer Science, Aerospace, Robotics, or related field.
- Familiarity with modern C++ standards (C++20 or later).
- Grasp of real-time and deterministic software design, including multi-threading, synchronization, and memory management.
- Experience with DevOps-integrated simulation workflows, including CI/CD and automated testing environments.
- Experience with Hardware- and Software-in-the-Loop simulation environments, including integration of real hardware into simulation environments.
- Experience with CMake, package management tools (e.g. Conan, Nix), and profiling tools.
- Experience with software testing tools (GTest, etc.)
- Working knowledge of Python for data analysis, test automation, or simulation orchestration.
- Experience working on autonomous aircraft systems.
- Active Secret or Top Secret Clearance is desired.
Skills Required
- BS or MS in Computer Science, Aerospace, Robotics, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in simulation software development with modern C++ (C++17 or later) and performance optimization
- Strong understanding of rigid-body dynamics, kinematics, aerodynamics, and sensor mechanics
- Proven experience developing or integrating simulation systems for robotics, aerospace, and/or autonomous systems
- Ability to debug complex build and runtime environments (CMake, package management, logging, profiling tools)
- Experience with software testing tools (GTest or equivalent) and writing unit, system, and regression tests
- Experience with simulation verification and validation (V&V)
- Strong collaboration and communication skills across software, hardware, and systems disciplines
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance
What the Team is Saying
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as excellent, with dental/vision and mental‑health support, and ancillary protections like life and disability appearing in benefit summaries. The breadth and perceived affordability of coverage are highlighted as a standout component of the package.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave is featured alongside enhanced maternity benefits, fertility and childcare support, and onsite resources such as a Mother’s Room. These elements are positioned as competitive and above the minimal baseline for the company’s stage.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity is granted to all full‑time hires, with RSUs, double‑trigger tax timing, and tools to model scenarios (e.g., through Carta Tax). Communications also reference a transition from options to RSUs, reinforcing access and maturity of ownership programs.
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.
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Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
