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Shield AI is seeking a Staff Engineer, Modelling and Simulation to lead the architecture, design, and evolution of distributed, real-time simulation systems across virtual, constructive, and live environments. This role combines deep technical expertise in high-performance C++ software with technical leadership of engineering teams.
Key responsibilities include architecting and implementing high-performance C++ software for modelling, simulation, integration workflows, and system interoperability, including compatibility with legacy standards. You will develop and optimize real-time and distributed simulation software supporting multi-agent scenarios, high-fidelity environments, and system-of-systems simulations. The role involves integrating defence simulation frameworks such as AFSIM or NGTS to accelerate delivery and ensure alignment with defence customer expectations.
You will design and deliver containerized simulation deployments using Docker and Kubernetes for development, CI, testing, and operational environments. Technical and project leadership is a core component—you'll guide engineering teams of 5+ contributors across software, autonomy, perception, test, and program functions. Collaboration with cross-functional teams to connect simulation with autonomy algorithms, hardware interfaces, and automated test pipelines is essential.
Required qualifications include a tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field; extensive professional experience in software engineering and systems integration; strong experience with modern C++ and familiarity with legacy C++ standards; professional experience with Python; demonstrated success delivering reliable software in fast-paced engineering environments; experience leading teams on complex engineering or software projects; hands-on experience with real-time, distributed simulation systems or HWIL/SWIL environments; Docker or containerization experience; proficiency in Linux development environments; and ability to obtain an Australian NV1 security clearance.
Preferred qualifications include defence industry experience, experience with uncrewed systems (particularly air domain), experience with AFSIM/NGTS or similar defence simulation environments, and experience with data processing, analysis pipelines, or test automation workflows (especially Python-based). This role supports work requiring eligibility to view ITAR and Australian export-controlled information.
