Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R5202)
Shield AI · Boston, United States +3 · 4mo ago
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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