Senior Manager, Embedded Firmware (Dallas/Boston)
Shield AI
Dallas, TX, USA
USD 206k-290k / year
Posted on Jan 23, 2026
Shield AI is redefining autonomous aviation with cutting-edge AI and GPS/RF-denied navigation technologies. Now, we’re building XBAT, a next-generation aircraft like no other—one that will push the boundaries of innovation and performance.
We’re looking for a Senior Manager to own embedded software systems and lead the team from concept to flight-ready software to production. You will maintain a high standard for requirements and design reviews, coordinate software development and marshal software releases through test, verification and deployment.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
- Build, lead and mentor a world-class software engineering team
- Be responsible for the XBAT embedded software schedule and how it rolls up into the larger XBAT program schedule
- Drive the planning and execution of releases of embedded software to the XBAT program across the full embedded domain (real-time software, FPGA cores, and operating systems)
- Maintain technical excellence across the team with rigorous design processes
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Shield’s core teams, such as engineering, production, supply chain, business development, and program management
- Collaborate cross-functionally within the engineering teams such as propulsion, electrical, mechanical, state estimation, and guidance and control
- Engage with external partners – coordinate with vendors and engineering teams as needed
- Work in a fast-paced environment
- Design and implement systems capable of conducting tests across various environments, including virtualized hardware and hardware-in-the-loop simulations, to facilitate thorough evaluation of software functionality and performance.
- Develop innovative tools to enhance the frequency and reliability of software deployment, test execution, and data analysis within a continuous integration and release system, fostering improved efficiency and productivity in software development workflows.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 8+ years of experience as a Software Engineer or a related field
- 2+ years of experience managing software teams
- Strong expertise in C++
- Strong expertise in embedded and real-time software principles
- Proven experience designing software systems in a safety or reliability critical field, such as aerospace, automotive, medical etc.
- Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed client expectations in a fast-paced environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of DO-178C, MIL-STD-882, STANAG, or other safety/airworthiness frameworks
- Experience managing other managers
- Comfort operating in dynamic R&D environments where rapid iteration and tight feedback loops are the norm
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206000 - 290000 USD a year