Senior Staff Engineer, Systems Integration (R5415)

Shield AI
San Diego, CA
On-site

Who this role is best for

A natural match if you have experience with C++ and systems integration in defense or simulation environments.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with a background in C++ systems engineering and simulation environments
    — “Experience integrating distributed simulation environments such as AFSIM or NGTS.”
  • Individuals with a strong grasp of CI/CD and containerization technologies
    — “Improve and maintain CI/CD workflows using tools like GitLab CI, Docker, CMake, and Conan.”
  • Professionals who can navigate legacy and modern C++ codebases with ease
    — “Strong proficiency in modern C++ (C++14/17/20) with the ability to work effectively in legacy codebases (C++98/03).”

Things to consider

  • Active SECRET clearance is mandatory, which may limit eligibility for some candidates.
    — “Active SECRET clearance.”
  • The role may require adapting to new tools and standards, which demands continuous learning.
    — “Continuously learn and adapt to new tools, standards, and technologies.”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with distributed systems and real-time hardware/software integration.
    — “Integrate third-party software and hardware systems, including real-time and simulation tools.”
  • Showcase your ability to debug complex distributed systems with attention to threading and data flow.
    — “Debug and support distributed systems, with attention to threading, timing, and data flow.”
  • Demonstrate your collaborative approach by emphasizing teamwork and shared solutions in your resume.
    — “Collaborate across teams and projects to share solutions and promote good software practices.”
  • Demonstrate familiarity with avionics data buses and interface protocols to align with preferred qualifications.
    — “Familiarity with open standards like UCI and OMS, and an understanding of data buses and interface protocols common in avionics and aircraft systems.”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Designed and implemented C++ and Python software
  • Integrated third-party software and hardware systems
  • Improved CI/CD workflows
Typical background
Experience in software engineering and systems integration

Skills & requirements

Required

C++PythonLinux/unixCI/CDDockerCmakeConanGitlab CIAPI DevelopmentDistributed Systems

Preferred

AfsimNGTSUCIOMSReal-time SystemsHardware/software Integration

Stack & domain

C++PythonLinux/unix EnvironmentsSystem-level EngineeringDesign PatternsCollaborative EnvironmentCI/CDTest AutomationContainerization TechnologiesDockerCmakeConanGitlab Ci/cd PipelinesReal-time SystemsHardware/software IntegrationAfsimNGTSUCIOMSData BusesInterface ProtocolsSimulation ToolsModeling FrameworksNetworking ConceptsMessaging InfrastructureProblem-solvingTeamworkCommunicationLeadershipDefense TechAutonomy SoftwareAircraft SystemsSimulation EnvironmentsThird-party SystemsDevelopment Workflows

About the role

Original posting from Shield AI via Lever

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

This position is ideal for a C++ generalist who thrives on tackling complex challenges in systems and systems integration. If you enjoy building cross-language software, improving CI/CD pipelines, and integrating distributed real-time systems, you’ll find this role rewarding. Join a team that’s driving innovation through robust software engineering and practical integration work across simulation environments, third-party systems, and development workflows.

What You'll Do::

  • Design, implement, and maintain C++ and Python software in support of complex, cross-platform systems.
  • Contribute to system architecture with a focus on performance, maintainability, and integration.
  • Develop and support APIs and messaging interfaces (e.g., gRPC, REST, ZeroMQ).
  • Integrate third-party software and hardware systems, including real-time and simulation tools.
  • Debug and support distributed systems, with attention to threading, timing, and data flow.
  • Apply modern agile practices such as test-driven development, continuous integration, and automated testing.
  • Improve and maintain CI/CD workflows using tools like GitLab CI, Docker, CMake, and Conan.
  • Collaborate across teams and projects to share solutions and promote good software practices.
  • Continuously learn and adapt to new tools, standards, and technologies.

Required Qualifications::

  • Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 4 years and a Master’s degree; or 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
  • Strong proficiency in modern C++ (C++14/17/20) with the ability to work effectively in legacy codebases (C++98/03).
  • Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments, including system-level development and debugging tools.
  • Experience with Python.
  • Professional experience in Linux environments (Windows experience is a bonus).
  • Solid understanding of system-level engineering and design patterns.
  • Experience in a collaborative environment with CI/CD and test automation.
  • Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker.
  • Active SECRET clearance.

Preferred Qualifications::

  • Experience integrating distributed simulation environments such as AFSIM or NGTS.
  • Familiarity with open standards like UCI and OMS, and an understanding of data buses and interface protocols common in avionics and aircraft systems.
  • Familiarity with simulation tools and modeling frameworks.
  • Experience with networking concepts and messaging infrastructure.
  • Hands-on experience with CMake, Conan, and GitLab CI/CD pipelines.
  • Exposure to real-time systems and hardware/software integration.
  • Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

Source: Shield AI careers (Lever)

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