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Shield AI, a venture-backed defense-tech company, is seeking a Manager of Autonomy Software Integration & Test to lead a team supporting the development, integration, testing, and deployment of autonomous systems in Ukraine. This is a hands-on leadership role combining people management with technical execution across software, hardware, aircraft systems, and flight operations.
You will lead, mentor, and develop a team of Autonomy Software Integration & Test Engineers while setting technical priorities, assigning resources, and managing schedules to meet operational requirements. You'll guide the development and integration of autonomy software across fixed-wing, multirotor, and other unmanned systems, providing technical direction for software bring-up, system configuration, troubleshooting, and mission readiness.
Key responsibilities include overseeing simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, ground-test, and live flight-test activities; leading troubleshooting and root-cause analysis across software, onboard compute, networking, radios, sensors, flight controllers, and mission systems; and coordinating engineering support for demonstrations and operational test events. You'll partner with autonomy, systems, hardware, flight-test, and operational teams to integrate and validate new capabilities, establish effective test procedures and integration workflows, and maintain deployment-readiness standards. The role requires remaining technically engaged and contributing directly to development, integration, and field troubleshooting when needed.
Shield AI operates globally with offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. This position will primarily support operations in the Kyiv region, with occasional travel to other locations within Ukraine.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience
- 5+ years of experience developing, integrating, or testing software for robotics, autonomy, aerospace, embedded systems, or related field
- Previous experience managing or leading engineering teams
- Strong software-engineering experience in C++ and Python
- Experience with Linux-based systems and hands-on hardware/software integration
- Experience supporting field testing, flight testing, demonstrations, or operational exercises
- Familiarity with MAVLink, PX4, ArduPilot, QGroundControl, or related unmanned-systems technologies
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills with ability to operate independently in dynamic environments
- Ability to travel within Ukraine as required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience leading teams 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 flight controllers, avionics, RF communications, datalinks, or networking systems
- Background in defense, robotics, aerospace, or autonomous systems
- Ukrainian and English language proficiency
