Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R5202)
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.
What You'll Do:
- Implement tactical autonomy software features that enable unmanned platforms to perform complex missions across air, land, sea, and space domains
- Develop and test behaviors supporting coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios
- Participate in the software development lifecycle, including implementation, testing, debugging, and supporting verification and validation efforts
- Collaborate with senior engineers to integrate software components with broader system elements (e.g., sensor processing, communications, and actuation)
- Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code following established engineering standards and team practices
- Support integration and testing across simulation and real-world environments
- Work with cross-functional teams to understand requirements and support successful feature delivery
- Continue building expertise in software engineering, autonomy, and robotics systems
- Travel up to 20% to support testing, integration, and collaboration with partner teams
Required Qualifications:
- BS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- Experience in production-level C++ software development
- 2-3 years of experience in one or more of the following: software sub-system scheduling and integration, behavior planning, task and resource allocation, motion planning, optimization, or flight controls
- Experience with collaborative software development tools for version control, issue tracking, code reviews, release management
- Ability to contribute to the design, development, and integration of complex software systems as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to learn new technologies in a fast-paced environment
- Willingness to collaborate closely with teammates and support team objectives
- Interest in growing technical skills and, over time, providing guidance to more junior engineers
- Desire to work in a highly collaborative, fast paced, and mission-driven environment
- Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
- Exposure to systems operating at different technology readiness levels (TRLs) through academic, research, or internship experience
- Experience in the delivery of a military mission system
- Familiarity with mission systems integration concepts, testing, or demonstrations
- Experience (academic or project-based) in one or more of the following areas:
- Motion planning, behavior planning, or multi-agent coordination
- Expose to autonomy, control, or decision-making systems
- Safety mechanisms such as collision avoidance or constraint enforcement
- Familiarity with robotic software tools (e.g., ROS, OMPL, or similar frameworks)
- Experience using simulation environments for development or testing
- Basic understanding of navigation and/or communications systems
- Awareness of the software or systems development lifecycle
- Familiarity with systems engineering fundamentals
- Exposure to high-assurance or safety-critical software concepts (e.g., DO-178C or similar)
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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?
- How did you hear about us?
- Are you a transitioning service member?
- If yes, what partnership program are you working with? optional
- Are you local to or willing to relocate? optional
- What office(s) would you be willing to relocate to? (Select all that apply) optional
- This position requires an Active or the eligibility to obtain a U.S. DoD Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). optional
Written answers (9)
- If yes, what type of sponsorship? optional
- If you selected "A protected Individual" OR "Other" to the above question, please explain further. optional
- (Optional) If you selected other or would like to expand on the above, feel free to do so below: optional
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- When are you available to start your fellowship? optional
- When are you available for full time work? optional
- What full time job(s) are you applying for?
- If you selected international, what location(s)? optional
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