Principal Engineer, AI Pilot Integration (R3156)

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.   

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated individual to lead the development, integration, and optimization of cutting-edge autonomy algorithms for complex systems in aerospace and defense domains. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional with a deep technical background in autonomy and system integration, as well as proven leadership skills in multidisciplinary engineering environments.

As an AI Pilot Integration Engineer, you will collaborate closely with software engineers, systems engineers, and testing teams to design, implement, and validate advanced autonomy solutions that meet stringent operational and safety requirements. You will play a pivotal role in driving innovation, ensuring seamless integration of autonomy algorithms with hardware platforms, and optimizing system performance in real-world mission scenarios.

• Autonomy Development: Design and develop autonomy algorithms for planning, decision-making, perception, and control in complex robotic and aerospace systems.
• System Integration: Integrate autonomy systems with platform-specific hardware and software, including sensors, communication interfaces, and control systems.
• Validation and Testing: Oversee simulation-based and real-world testing efforts, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) simulations, to validate system functionality and performance.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Lead multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration between software, systems, and testing engineers to meet program goals and mission requirements.
• Optimization and Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve integration issues, optimize system performance, and ensure compliance with safety and reliability standards.
• Documentation and Reporting: Document designs, test results, and technical findings, and present them effectively to stakeholders.
• Innovation and Industry Trends: Stay updated on emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies in robotics, autonomy, and AI to drive innovation in system design and implementation.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related field. Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
• 15+ years of professional experience in developing, testing, and integrating autonomy algorithms for complex systems.

• -Extensive experience in developing autonomy solutions for robotics, aerospace, or defense applications, including path planning, decision-making, multi-agent coordination, and adaptive control algorithms.
• -Proficiency in software development with programming languages such as C++ and Python
• -Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• -Hands-on experience with middleware frameworks like ROS (Robot Operating System), DDS, or similar for autonomy and system integration.
• -Expertise in using simulation environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) and model-based design methodologies.
• -Strong understanding of AI/ML techniques applied to perception, planning, and decision-making systems, with the ability to implement and optimize these solutions.
• System Integration and Testing:
• -Proven track record of integrating autonomy systems into hardware platforms, including UAVs, UGVs, or other robotic systems.
• -Experience designing and conducting rigorous testing and validation processes, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) simulations.

• -Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, including software developers, system engineers, and testing specialists, to deliver integrated autonomy solutions.
• -Experience collaborating with systems engineering and product management teams to align autonomy requirements with platform and mission objectives.
• -Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with stakeholders, present technical concepts, and document system designs effectively.

• -Familiarity with open architecture standards such as OMS/UCI or FACE for defense applications.
• -In-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements and operational constraints for autonomous systems in defense, aerospace, or commercial domains.
• -Awareness of emerging technologies and industry trends in autonomy, robotics, and AI.

• -Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• -Experience with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and version control tools (e.g., Git, Jenkins).
• -Active SECRET clearance

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.