Shield AI
Autonomy Integration Engineer
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Flight Integration Engineer
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians using intelligent systems. Our products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and technology actively supporting operations worldwide. Based in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI delivers cutting-edge solutions globally.
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This role is ideal for an individual who thrives on solving complex integration challenges spanning hardware, software, and systems engineering. A successful candidate will excel in:
- Deploying autonomy solutions onto unmanned platforms
- Preparing systems for flight
- Troubleshooting mission-critical issues in lab and field environments
Our Flight Integration Engineers connect R&D and deployment, ensuring autonomous systems function reliably when needed most.
You’ll work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with hands-on experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in real-world test conditions.
Key Responsibilities
System Integration and Deployment
- Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems for seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
Pre-Flight Preparation
- Own the build, configuration, and validation process for flight-ready systems.
- Ensure hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness.
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On-Site Flight Test Support
- Travel to test sites and support live flight operations within time-critical constraints.
- Conduct safety checks, system bring-up, and troubleshoot in real-time.
Hardware/Software Debugging
- Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy software stacks and embedded systems in lab and field environments.
Flight Data Capture & Analysis
- Manage data collection during missions and perform post-test analysis to refine behaviors and identify improvements.
Collaboration Across Teams
- Work closely with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure mission-critical functionality is delivered on time and validated thoroughly.
Continuous Improvement
- Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, flight test reliability, and team efficiency across deployment cycles.
Support Certification and Compliance
- Assist with documentation and system-level validation for certification, airworthiness, and defense-relevant compliance.
Travel Requirement
Typical travel requirement: 30-40% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events).
Required Qualifications
-
Education:
- BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
- Flexible experience requirements based on degree level:
- 7+ years with a Bachelor’s
- 5+ years with a Master’s
- 4+ years with a PhD
-
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in programming languages: C++ and Python.
- Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
- Fluency in Linux-based development, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
- Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (ROS, DDS).
- Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises.
- Experience using simulation tools for testing and validation.
- Strong problem-solving skills: diagnosing and optimizing system performance.
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- Soft Skills:
- Exceptional communication and teamwork in a multidisciplinary environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or flight test campaigns.
- Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines.
- Sensor integration, electronics debugging, or avionics bring-up experience.
- Automation tooling for system testing, logging, and data parsing.
- Comfort interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews.
- Experience with UCI (Universal Command Interfaces) and OMS (Onboard Management Systems) standards.
Benefits & Compensation
Our total rewards package varies depending on your country of work and aligns with market standards to fuel innovation. For full details, consult your talent acquisition partner.
Hiring Note
We use AI tools to assist in the hiring process, such as reviewing applications and analysing resumes. These tools aid our recruitment team but are never used to make final hiring decisions, which remain entirely human-driven.
If you’d like more information about data processing, contact our team directly.
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