Staff Software Engineer, Ground Control Station (GCS) – Full Stack

Job overview

The Staff Software Engineer, Ground Control Station (GCS) – Full Stack role is listed in Washington, DC. Compensation is $150,000–$230,000 per year. Shield AI’s mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems; this role supports its Ground Control Station and Command & Control software team. The engineer leads development of web-based ground-control applications and mission-critical interfaces, from architecture through field delivery. The role also mentors engineers, coordinates technical interfaces across teams and partners, and supports deployment, testing, and live mission operations.

What you'll do

• Design, develop, and optimize responsive GCS and C2 applications
• own technical direction for major features and full-stack subsystems
• architect APIs and systems
• collaborate with autonomy, perception, flight operations, and external partners
• mentor engineers and support onboarding
• lead design reviews, prototyping, documentation, and testing practices
• prepare and validate mission-ready ground stations and C2 servers
• support field tests and live missions
• debug and tune system performance
• build post-mission debrief and telemetry tools
• improve deployment and testing automation
• support C2 standards integration
• interview and onboard engineers.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

washington dc

shield ai

staff software engineer

ground control station

full stack

command and control

react

typescript

go

mission planning

$150k–$230k/year

10–20% travel

bonus

benefits

equity

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Full-time regular employee offer package includes pay within the listed range, bonus, benefits, and equity.

Why this role

The team typically travels around 10–20% of the year for field integration, customer demonstrations, or test events. The posting lists bonus, benefits, and equity for full-time regular employees.

About the employer

Shield AI is hiring for this role. Industry: Custom Computer Programming Services. Sector: 54.