Staff Engineer, Software (R3176)
Shield AI
Washington, DC, USA
Posted on Feb 21, 2025
About Shield AI
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms, enabling complex missions with high reliability in contested environments. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and internationally, Shield AI’s products actively support U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn,Twitter, and Instagram.
This position is perfect for an individual who loves technology, solving complex challenges, wants to develop software for multiple projects, and write code with a motivated, diverse team. Shield AI is pushing the envelope by applying advanced AI solutions to real hardware systems. An ideal candidate should aspire to be a part of this industry-changing team developing and deploying advanced technology that can truly make an impact.
Shield AI is looking to continue to push the envelope by teaming traditional autonomous systems algorithms and deep reinforcement learning-based solutions to create an unmatched capability and speed to deployment technology base.
What You'll Do:
- As a Software Engineer on this team, you will contribute to teams at the intersection of artificial intelligence, task & motion planning, and controls.
- You will work closely with talented engineers to architect solutions, set standards for software engineering, drive strategic technical improvements, and mentor other engineers.
- Write Python and C++ software to help develop tooling and automated testing and analysis for autonomy solutions.
- Work with Subject Matter Experts to understand the customer demand and implement software solutions that meet their needs.
- Collaborate with Systems and Test engineers to develop fully tested, integrated solutions.
Required Qualifications:
- BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience.
- Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
- Ability to develop, benchmark, debug, and deploy software-based algorithms.
- Demonstrated problem solving skills by applying a scientific approach.
- 2+ years of people leadership experience.
- Experience with Python, C++, and/or similar languages.
- Experience working on projects with 10+ contributors.
- Offers fast, efficient, effective problem-solving approaches.
- Exceptional collaborator and communicator.
- Comfort within Linux environments.
- Hard-working, trustworthy teammate.
- Exhibits holding themselves and others to high standards.
- Experience in a collaborative development environment, focused on continuous integration/delivery & test-driven development.
- Strong knowledge of modern software engineering best practices.
- Demonstrated record of working hard, strong communication skills, being a trustworthy teammate, and being kind to others.
- Strong organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- MS or greater in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience with Docker or similar containerization technologies.
- Experience with modern infrastructure technologies (Kubernetes, CI/CD).
- Experience with web-service technologies like gRPC, REST APIs, message queues (ActiveMQ, ZeroMQ), etc.
- Experience with Python data analysis tooling like Pandas, NumPy, Dagster, etc.
- Familiarity with C++ tooling like CMake and Conan.
- Experience with Reinforcement Learning and other Machine Learning techniques.
- Understanding of robotics technologies related to autonomous behavior development e.g. task allocation or planning.
- Understanding/Experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (specifically air domain).
- Active SECRET clearance.
- Experience with UCI and OMS Standards.
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Total package details for U.S. based positions:
- Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
- Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days
of employment)
- Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity
Total package details for International positions which are roles based outside of the United States (where applicable):
- International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer
allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
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, color, 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.