Senior Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Weapons

Job overview

The Senior Staff Software Engineer role is onsite in San Diego, CA. The stated salary range is $233,760–$350,640 per year. The position supports Shield AI’s Autonomous Pilot Integration team for launched effects, developing autonomy solutions for defense customers. The engineer defines technical direction across the launched-effects portfolio, leads autonomy integration and deployment, and resolves complex systems challenges so mission-ready capabilities can be validated and fielded on real hardware.

What you'll do

• Set technical direction and architecture for the launched-effects portfolio
• guide development and integration of mission autonomy, platform interfaces, multi-agent coordination, and fleet deployment
• lead cross-team architecture reviews and documentation
• mentor engineers
• guide release planning and mission validation
• provide technical leadership during flight tests and customer demonstrations
• lead hardware/software debugging and post-mission analysis
• shape command-and-control interoperability and engineering practices.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

senior staff software engineer

autonomous pilot integration

weapons

autonomy

c++

linux

multi-agent systems

launched effects

defense technology

san diego ca

shield ai

$233,760–$350,640

10–20% travel

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Regular full-time employee offers include bonus, benefits, and equity
• the posting also describes temporary benefits after 60 days for temporary employees.

Why this role

Typically requires 10+ years of relevant experience, expert C++ and Linux development, and ability to obtain a SECRET clearance; team travel is typically 10–20% of the year.

About the employer

Shield AI is hiring for this role. Industry: Engineering Services. Sector: 54.