Senior Staff Software Engineer — Autonomous Pilot Integration, Weapons

Job overview

The Senior Staff Software Engineer works onsite in Boston, MA, full time, for $233,760–$350,640 per year. Shield AI develops intelligent systems intended to protect service members and civilians. The role supports the Autonomous Pilot Integration team for launched effects. The engineer sets technical direction for the launched-effects portfolio and guides autonomy software integration, validation, and deployment on operational hardware. The role addresses complex systems challenges and coordinates across engineering teams, vendors, and customer stakeholders to deliver scalable, mission-ready capabilities.

What you'll do

• Define long-term technical direction, architecture, and integration patterns
• guide development and integration of mission autonomy, platform interfaces, executive autonomy, multi-agent coordination, and fleet-scale deployment
• lead architecture reviews, interface standards, and post-mortems
• mentor senior engineers
• guide release planning, mission validation, and operational readiness
• provide technical leadership during flight tests and customer demonstrations
• resolve complex software, embedded systems, networking, and platform integration issues
• support mission analysis and engineering improvements
• define command-and-control interoperability strategy and standards
• contribute to senior hiring and staffing strategy.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

senior staff software engineer

autonomous pilot integration

weapons

full-time

boston ma

shield ai

$233,760–$350,640/year

c++

linux

autonomy software

multi-agent coordination

launched effects

10–20% travel

secret clearance eligibility

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Bonus, benefits, and equity for full-time regular employees
• temporary employee benefits package may apply after 60 days.

Why this role

Expert C++ and Linux systems development; typically 10+ years of relevant experience; ability to obtain a SECRET clearance; team travel typically around 10–20% of the year.

About the employer

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