a16z Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities – Maritime (R5339)
Summary
Senior Software Engineer building autonomy capabilities for maritime unmanned vehicles (USVs, UUVs, UAVs) using C++ and Python, focusing on motion planning, localization, multi-agent coordination, and optimization for real-world defense platform deployment.
The Autonomy Capabilities Team develops functionality to automate single- and multi-agent teams of platforms in pursuit of mission objectives and acts as a central discipline-aligned focal-point for encouraging consistent usage of technical approaches across business portfolios. This team operates at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination) and across a multitude of mission sets, platform types, and operational domains (e.g., air, sea, space). The team puts a strong emphasis on both fundamentals (e.g., aircraft kinematics/dynamics, trajectory design, optimization, information fusion, efficient algorithms, etc.) and software integration skillsets (e.g. structures, protocols, threading, interface management, etc.) to bring market-differentiating capabilities to customers that seamlessly operate within their integration contexts.
This position is perfect for an individual who enjoys solving complex problems across a diverse set of programs and integration contexts. An ideal candidate is expected to address operational system needs through a multitude of advanced methodologies that blend traditional control system approaches with advanced optimization. Developed solutions are expected to be integrated into real-world platforms with near-term program impacts and rewards and so balancing theory with practice and rigorous implementation is paramount.
About the Job:
As a Senior Engineer, you will develop and own major features from end-to-end, from design through operational deployment, and work closely with cross-functional teammates to achieve program goals. You’ll also take an active role in mentoring more junior engineers and may directly interface in customers in limited capacities.
What You'll Do:
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Robust Motion Planning – Automate unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and/or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) maneuvering through advanced motion planning and adherence to safety constraints including keep-out volumes, cooperative and uncooperative vehicles, and depth limitations
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Localization and Tracking – Employ cutting edge approaches for passive and active localization by defining fusion modalities, sensor requirements, and observability-aware maneuvering capabilities to maximize information gleaned from single- or multi-agent sensor networks
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Safe Maritime Operations – Keep vehicle safety as a central focus within autonomous behavior architectures to provide run-time assurance, ensure COLREGS adherence, and build operator trust in advanced mission autonomy
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Heterogeneous Multi-Agent Collaboration – Develop distributed optimization and task allocation approaches for heterogenous teaming in order to accomplish mission objectives by maximally utilizing the diverse capabilities of agents to overall team advantage
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Rigorous Software Development – Develop high-performance software modules that are well-tested, have clear interfaces and span-of-control, and are ready for mid-to-high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) insertions
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Cross-Functional Collaboration – Collaborate with cross-functional teams including perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and operational test to ensure seamless integration of autonomy solutions on real-world platforms
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Deployment & Test Support – Deploy autonomy capabilities to real surface vehicles, supporting integration and demonstration events as well as analysis of mission logs to verify software performance and validate system operational effect
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R&D and Road-mapping – Contribute to autonomy roadmaps by researching and prototyping new algorithms, identifying tactical capability gaps, and proposing novel solutions that advance Shield AI’s mission
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Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 25% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events).
Required Qualifications:
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BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
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Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years and a Master’s degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
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Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python
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Significant background in one or several robotic technology areas related to control systems, motion planning, optimization, tactical behaviors, and/or distributed decision-making
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Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (ideally in the maritime domain specifically)
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Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS, or similar) for testing and validation
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Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance
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Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
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Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance or higher
Preferred Qualifications:
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Experience in multiple domains (e.g., air, land, sea, space)
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Experience across a breadth of methodologies from classical control through optimization and applied ML/RL
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Background in collaborative behaviors and swarm robotics
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Familiarity with domain-relevant DoD or government programs
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Hands-on experience supporting integration events, customer demos, and/or live exercises
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Experience in applied research and development
Skills
As published by lever · 20 questions · 9 written answers
Basics
Which location are you applying for?, Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Twitter URL, GitHub URL, Portfolio URL, Other website
Short answers (1)
- Please state your full legal name:
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- Are you authorized to work in the United States?
- Will you require sponsorship for employment now or in the future?
- This position may require access to information and technology that is subject to export controls, such as EAR. Are you any of the following?
- Shield AI provides technology, services, and support to the United States military and allied forces with their various missions. If selected for employment with Shield AI, your contributions will directly relate to and/or support these missions. Are there any reasons why you would not be able to fully contribute in support of the U.S. military and allied forces?
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Written answers (9)
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