The Autonomous Pilot Integration team for launched effects builds autonomy solutions for small, often air- or ground-launched platforms that operate in multi-agent fleets and frequently in disconnected or air-gapped environments. We combine capabilities from the Autonomy Capabilities team (motion planning, tactics), the Perception team (e.g., track fusion), and the HivemindSDK to develop the autonomy software that runs on launched effects platforms, then integrate, validate, and field it on the real hardware—for U.S. and international defense customers.
Our engineers write new autonomy code—such as mission behaviors, platform-specific control, multi-agent coordination, contingencies, and executive autonomy—and own it end-to-end from software-in-the-loop, to hardware-in-the-loop, to vehicle-in-the-loop, to live test exercise. In this role, you'll lead the technical delivery of complex autonomy capabilities spanning platform integration, fleet operations, and operational deployment.
You'll own some of the team's most challenging technical problems while driving technical direction across multiple subsystems and collaborating closely with the Autonomy Capabilities team, Perception, feature crews, autopilot vendors, C2 providers, and customer partners. You'll combine deep technical expertise with systems thinking to deliver scalable autonomy solutions for fleet-scale operations.
What You'll Do:
Stand Up New Programs
- Define the technical strategy for establishing autonomy on entirely new platforms and mission areas, determining what should be built, reused, or extended from existing Shield AI capabilities. Navigate Ambiguity & Shifting Priorities
- Lead engineering through evolving customer needs, changing priorities, and uncertain technical landscapes while maintaining execution and long-term technical vision. Technical Strategy & Portfolio Leadership
- Define long-term technical direction across Emerging Domains, establishing architecture, integration strategies, and engineering patterns that enable successful transition from R&D to operational programs. Develop & Field Autonomy
- Guide development and deployment of autonomy capabilities across space, maritime, contested logistics, and future emerging platforms while ensuring successful operational delivery. Platform Team Partnerships
- Build deep technical partnerships with platform organizations and influence interface evolution, integration strategy, and long-term platform architecture. Collaboration Across Teams & Partners
- Influence architecture across Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS, platform teams, engineering leadership, customer organizations, and external partners. Design & Documentation
- Lead architecture reviews, engineering standards, ICDs, and technical best practices across multiple organizations. Pre-deployment Preparation
- Guide release strategy, mission validation, and operational readiness across multiple emerging programs. On-site Test & Mission Support
- Provide senior technical leadership during critical demonstrations, operational exercises, and customer events where deep systems expertise is required. Hardware/Software Debugging
- Lead resolution of the organization's most challenging autonomy integration problems spanning software, hardware, embedded systems, and platform interfaces. Mission Data & Debrief Support
- Drive organizational learning from operational testing and shape future technical investments based on mission outcomes. Continuous Improvement
- Drive long-term improvements to engineering processes, developer experience, testing infrastructure, and integration workflows across the Emerging Domains portfolio. C2 Interoperability & Standards
- Define technical strategy for command-and-control interoperability and guide adoption of platform-appropriate open-systems standards across emerging programs. Grow R&D into Programs
- Partner with engineering leadership and customers to evolve successful R&D efforts into scalable, long-term programs while helping shape technical strategy for future portfolios. Hiring & Developing Technical Talent
- Help define the technical hiring bar for senior engineering roles, mentor future technical leaders, and partner with managers to grow organizational capability. Travel Requirement
- Members of this team typically travel around 10–20% of the year to different office locations, customer sites, operator training events, flight tests, and integration exercises.
Required Qualifications:
- BS/MS in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience. Typically requires 10+ years of relevant experience.
- Expert-level C++ and Linux systems development experience.
- Demonstrated experience defining technical strategy across multiple programs or engineering organizations.
- Proven track record solving highly complex systems integration challenges in ambiguous environments.
- Experience mentoring senior engineers and influencing engineering direction without formal authority.
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience leading first-of-kind autonomy or advanced R&D efforts.
- Experience across multiple autonomy domains (air, maritime, space, ground, or robotics).
- Experience transitioning prototypes into operational systems.
- Experience with government R&D programs and defense customers.
- Experience shaping engineering practices across an organization.
- Experience with UCI, OMS, STANAG 4586, or other defense interoperability standards.
About
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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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.