Staff Engineer, Perception (R5611)

Shield AI
London, United Kingdom
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to experienced software engineers working in autonomous systems and aerospace domains, with a strong ability to troubleshoot and integrate cross-disciplinary systems.

Best fit for

  • Experienced software engineers with a background in robotics or aerospace systems
    — “3+ years of experience developing and integrating software for robotics, autonomy, aerospace, embedded systems, or related technical fields
  • Candidates who can work independently and solve complex problems across disciplines
    — “Strong sense of ownership and ability to operate independently in fast-paced environments
  • Individuals with proficiency in C++ and Python for system development and testing
    — “Develop internal tools, automation, telemetry analysis pipelines, and test infrastructure in C++ and Python

Things to consider

  • Travel to test sites in Ukraine is a mandatory requirement for this role
    — “Ability to travel within Ukraine as required
  • The role demands integration and validation of autonomy software with hardware and mission systems
    — “Debug and troubleshoot issues across autonomy software, onboard compute, radios, networking, sensors, flight controllers, and mission systems

How to stand out

  • Emphasize experience with flight testing and field demonstrations in your resume and interview responses
    — “Support field demonstrations and operational test events, including pre-flight setup, system validation, troubleshooting, and post-flight analysis
  • Highlight your background in developing complex software systems for robotics or aerospace
    — “Experience contributing to complex software systems in robotics, autonomy, aerospace, embedded systems, or related domains
  • Showcase your ability to work with Linux-based systems and embedded environments
    — “Experience working with Linux-based systems and development environments
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · Team

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

What success looks like

  • production-quality software features
  • mission readiness
  • system improvements
Typical background
software engineeringdefense technology

Skills & requirements

Required

Software DevelopmentAutonomy SoftwareSystem IntegrationDebugging

Preferred

Defense TechnologyUnmanned Systems

Stack & domain

C++PythonLinuxMavlinkPX4ArdupilotQgroundcontrol

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. 

What you'll do::

  • Develop and contribute production-quality software features and capabilities for autonomous systems  
  • Design, implement, debug, and maintain software components supporting autonomy, mission execution, system integration, and flight operations  
  • Integrate autonomy software onto fixed-wing, multirotor, and other unmanned or autonomous systems  
  • Develop internal tools, automation, telemetry analysis pipelines, and test infrastructure in C++ and Python  
  • Support software bring-up, system configuration, and mission readiness for flight operations  
  • Debug and troubleshoot issues across autonomy software, onboard compute, radios, networking, sensors, flight controllers, and mission systems  
  • Support simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, ground testing, and live flight test activities  
  • Support field demonstrations and operational test events, including pre-flight setup, system validation, troubleshooting, and post-flight analysis  
  • Operate and troubleshoot Ground Control Stations (GCS) and mission support systems  
  • Capture, analyze, and review flight and system data to support root cause analysis and system improvements  
  • Work closely with autonomy, systems, hardware, and flight test teams to rapidly integrate and validate new capabilities  
  • Support rapid software iteration and operational testing in dynamic startup and field environments  
  • Contribute to operational documentation, test procedures, integration workflows, and deployment readiness activities  
  • Travel to test sites and support field operations as required  

Required qualifications::

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience  
  • 3+ years of experience developing and integrating software for robotics, autonomy, aerospace, embedded systems, or related technical fields  
  • Strong software engineering experience in C++ and Python, including development, debugging, and system integration  
  • Experience contributing to complex software systems in robotics, autonomy, aerospace, embedded systems, or related domains  
  • Experience working with Linux-based systems and development environments  
  • Hands-on experience integrating and troubleshooting hardware and software systems  
  • Experience supporting field testing, flight testing, demonstrations, or operational exercises  
  • Familiarity with MAVLink, PX4, ArduPilot, QGroundControl, or related unmanned systems technologies  
  • Experience debugging distributed or cross-disciplinary systems involving software, networking, sensors, radios, onboard compute, and mission systems  
  • Strong sense of ownership and ability to operate independently in fast-paced environments  
  • Strong problem-solving mindset and willingness to work across disciplines  
  • Ability to travel within Ukraine as required  

Preferred qualifications::

  • Experience supporting autonomous aircraft or unmanned systems  
  • Experience with SIL, HIL, VIL, simulation, or flight test environments  
  • Familiarity with ROS, DDS, embedded systems, or real-time systems  
  • Experience with RF communications, datalinks, and networking systems  
  • Experience supporting live flight demonstrations or operational deployments  
  • Familiarity with flight controllers, avionics systems, and aircraft integration  
  • Experience building internal tools for testing, automation, telemetry analysis, or operational support  
  • Background in defense, robotics, aerospace, or autonomous systems  
  • Ukrainian and English language proficiency  
  • Experience operating in fast-paced and dynamic field environments

Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.

Source: Shield AI careers (Lever)

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