Staff Engineer, Ground System Software (R4787)
Shield AI
Dallas, TX, USA
USD 150k-230k / year + Equity
Posted on Apr 7, 2026
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the 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.
Job Description:
We are seeking a highly motivated Ground System Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain software systems for the XBat Platform. This role focuses on building robust ground control stations, mission planning tools, and communication interfaces that enable the XBat mission, supports operational requirements safe and efficient drone operations.
You will work at the intersection of all major components of the XBat systems, providing user-facing applications to operate XBat. You’ll be collaborating closely with our Aircraft Software, Hivemind, and Flight Test teams to design this state of the art ground system.
You will work at the intersection of all major components of the XBat systems, providing user-facing applications to operate XBat. You’ll be collaborating closely with our Aircraft Software, Hivemind, and Flight Test teams to design this state of the art ground system.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, or a related field
- 5-10+ years of professional software development experience (or equivalent)
- Strong proficiency in one or more languages: C++, Python, or JavaScript/TypeScript
- Experience building distributed systems or networked applications
- Previous experience designing and developing ground control station (GCS) software for critical mission applications.
- Experience developing user interfaces (e.g., Qt, React, or similar frameworks)
- Strong debugging and system integration skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional engineering environment
- Ability to obtain security clearance
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with UAS platforms
- Experience with AI/ML systems
- Exposure to cybersecurity best practices for embedded or distributed systems
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
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. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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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.
150000 - 230000 USD a year