a16z Staff Engineer, XBAT DevOps (R4542)
Job Description:
As a DevOps Engineer, you’ll own our CI/CD and automation stack — driving developer velocity, pipeline health, and large-scale test execution from single-agent runs to cluster-orchestrated mission scenarios. This is a hands-on IC role that removes bottlenecks, accelerates iteration, and ensures every engineer can test and ship with speed and rigor.
What you'll do:
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Own and operate the CI/CD system across autonomy, embedded, and ground software.
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Improve developer velocity by reducing build/test cycle time and eliminating pipeline bottlenecks.
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Scale simulation test execution in CI — from containerized single-agent runs to orchestrated clusters.
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Manage infrastructure for builds and tests (Azure DevOps, Git, Artifactory, cloud build agents).
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Fully automate common tasks to create a self-service DevOps model allowing developers to be fully empowered.
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Partner with developers to resolve build/test failures quickly and set best practices for integration.
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Integrate CI pipelines with HIL and simulation environments for automated validation.
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Implement monitoring, dashboards, and alerts for CI/CD health and performance.
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Collaborate with the Developer Ops teams across Shield AI to introduce new technologies, best practices, and shared standards.
Required qualifications:
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BS in CS, CE, EE, or related field with 7+ years industry experience (or MS/PhD with 5+ years).
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Strong expertise in CI/CD tools (Azure DevOps, Jenkins, GitHub Actions).
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Proficiency with containers and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, cloud build clusters).
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Strong scripting skills (Python, Bash, PowerShell).
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Hands-on experience integrating automated testing into CI pipelines.
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Demonstrated success improving developer productivity at scale.
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Demonstrated track record of excellence as a primary contributor on projects - showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
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Experience building simulation or HIL-based test pipelines.
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CMake/C++ expertise or equivalent.
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Strong understanding of dependency management and proficiency with either Conan or CPM.
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Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Ansible) and monitoring (Grafana, Prometheus).
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Background in robotics, autonomy, or aerospace systems.
Skills
As published by lever · 20 questions · 9 written answers
Basics
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:
Pick from a list (10)
- 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
- Do you have, or are you able to obtain, a S/SAR clearance? 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
- If "Industry Conference" or "Other," please provide more details: optional
- If other, please provide further details optional
- 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