Staff Software Engineer — Autonomous Pilot Integration, Emerging Domains

Job overview

The Staff Software Engineer — Autonomous Pilot Integration, Emerging Domains role is onsite in Washington, DC, with annual pay of $195,200–$292,800. The role supports Shield AI’s Autonomous Pilot Integration team for Emerging Domains, which develops autonomy solutions for new platforms and mission profiles. Shield AI’s stated mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The engineer leads technical delivery and integration of autonomy capabilities across emerging platforms, from early research and development through testing and operational deployment. The role also provides technical direction, coordinates with platform and cross-functional teams, and supports live tests, demonstrations, and operational events; the team typically travels 10–20% of the year.

What you'll do

• Lead technical efforts to establish autonomy on new platforms
• develop and integrate autonomy software
• lead feature crews or major integration efforts and mentor engineers
• partner with platform teams
• coordinate across engineering teams and external partners
• lead design reviews and interface documentation
• drive validation and release readiness
• provide technical leadership during live tests and operational events
• lead hardware/software debugging and post-mission analysis
• improve engineering processes and testing infrastructure
• implement command-and-control interfaces and interoperability standards.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

staff software engineer

autonomous pilot integration

emerging domains

washington dc

c++

linux

autonomy software

systems integration

space systems

maritime systems

mission readiness

10–20% travel

$195,200–$292,800/year

shield ai

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• The regular employee offer package includes pay within the listed range, bonus, benefits, and equity.
• The posting also describes health benefits, 401(k) matching, paid time off, company-paid training, and tuition reimbursement.

Why this role

The team works on emerging domains including space, maritime, and contested logistics, and typically travels around 10–20% of the year.

About the employer

Shield AI is hiring for this role. Industry: Computer Systems Design Services. Sector: 54.