Senior Systems Engineer – Autonomy & Software

About the role

Shield AI is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to lead the development, integration and deployment of advanced autonomous systems for defense applications. The role bridges systems engineering, software development and autonomy, translating mission needs into concrete system architectures and verification strategies.

Key responsibilities

• Apply systems engineering principles to design and integrate autonomous defense systems.
• Translate operational and mission requirements into system, subsystem, software and autonomy specifications.
• Develop and maintain system architectures, functional decompositions, interface definitions, ICDs and verification plans.
• Collaborate with autonomy, software, GNC, avionics, hardware, test and platform teams to ensure successful integration.
• Define and manage interfaces between Hivemind Autonomy, vehicle, sensors, communications, payloads and external systems.
• Develop prototypes, analysis tools and test infrastructure in C++ and Python to solve integration challenges.
• Use code, simulation, logs and telemetry to diagnose failures and support technical decisions.
• Lead system integration activities across simulation, SIL, HIL, ground and flight test environments.

Required profile

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical, Aerospace, Systems Engineering, Robotics or related field.
• 5+ years experience delivering complex, software‑intensive systems in aerospace, defense, robotics or autonomous domains.
• Proven hands‑on experience developing and debugging C++ and Python code.
• Familiarity with perception, planning, estimation, guidance, navigation or mission autonomy.

Required skills

• C++ programming
• Python programming
• Systems engineering and requirements management
• Autonomous systems design
• Interface Control Document (ICD) creation
• Simulation and test infrastructure development