Staff Engineer, Autonomy (Hivemind Solutions)
Shield AI
Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Posted on Jan 28, 2025
Shield AI is a venture-backed defence technology company building intelligent autonomous systems for aircraft. Our mission is to protect service members and civilians through AI and autonomy.
Founded in 2015, Shield AI’s flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms to perform complex missions with high reliability in contested environments.
For more information, visit www.shield.ai and follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
What You'll Do:
- Develop autonomy algorithms for path planning, decision-making, perception, and control to meet mission and system performance requirements.
- Integrate autonomy algorithms with platform hardware and software, including sensors, control systems, and communication interfaces.
- Test and validate autonomous systems using both simulation (HIL/SIL) and live system tests to ensure real-world readiness and performance.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including software, systems, and test engineers to align autonomy capabilities with overall system architecture and mission goals.
- Troubleshoot and optimise autonomy solutions to improve performance, reliability, and adaptability.
- Document technical developments, testing results, and integration efforts for internal and external stakeholders.
- Stay up to date on emerging technologies in AI, robotics, and autonomy to drive innovation and best practices.
What You’ll Bring:
- Significant experience developing and integrating autonomy algorithms in robotics, aerospace, or defence systems.
- Proficiency in C++ and Python in production and real-time systems.
- Experience with sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS).
- Strong knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS) and autonomy stack components.
- Hands-on experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for autonomy validation.
- Strong problem-solving and optimisation skills in complex systems.
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with experience working in multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Proven ability to lead and manage small to medium technical teams (2–7 people).
Bonus Points For:
- Strong background in control theory (linear/nonlinear) and motion planning.
- Ability to derive and implement motion models and trajectory controllers.
- Familiarity with open architecture standards (e.g., OMS/UCI, FACE) and regulatory compliance (e.g., DO-178C).
- Experience with scientific problem-solving approaches and applied research.
- Knowledge of autonomous systems algorithms and AI/ML integration.
Why Shield AI?
- Work on mission-critical AI and autonomy systems solving real-world defence and security challenges.
- Join a high-performing, collaborative engineering team working at the cutting edge of technology.
- Enjoy a flexible, supportive work environment - our office is located in Port Melbourne, close to Melbourne CBD.
- Salary + equity for permanent roles, with flexible working options available.
Help us redefine what’s possible in autonomous defence - apply today.
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, colour, 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.