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Shield AI is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to lead complex technical efforts in software integration and test across distributed systems and simulation environments. This is a senior individual contributor role with minimal oversight, focused on architecting high-performance C++ and Python systems that power autonomy, simulation, and real-time system interfaces.
You will architect and implement high-performance C++ and Python systems across cross-platform environments, leading the design and integration of distributed systems, simulation tools, and third-party hardware/software. You'll define and enforce technical direction, design patterns, and integration practices across projects, and guide teams in building robust messaging and API layers (gRPC, REST, ZeroMQ) that bridge critical system components.
Key responsibilities include owning the evolution and support of CI/CD pipelines using GitLab CI, Docker, Conan, and CMake; leading debugging and optimization of real-time and multi-threaded systems; driving end-to-end integration efforts including planning, implementation, and verification across simulation and operational systems; and serving as a force multiplier by mentoring other engineers and contributing to shared tooling and process improvements. You will also evaluate and incorporate new technologies that improve system performance, stability, and developer efficiency.
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company 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. The company operates globally with offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum 7 years of related experience (or Bachelor's degree + 7 years; Master's degree + 5 years; PhD + 4 years; or equivalent work experience)
- Advanced experience designing and maintaining large C++ systems, with fluency in C++14/17/20 and comfort navigating legacy C++98/03 codebases
- Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments, including system-level development and debugging tools
- Strong systems integration background with practical experience in distributed systems, real-time processing, and hardware/software interfaces
- Significant experience with CI/CD systems, containerization (Docker), and build tooling (CMake, Conan)
- Proficiency in Python and familiarity with other scripting and automation tools
- Deep knowledge of Linux environments (Windows experience is a bonus)
- Demonstrated success leading efforts involving 10+ contributors, including technical planning and mentorship
- Strong understanding of networking concepts and communication protocols
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Real-time or distributed simulation experience (AFSIM, NGTS, or similar)
- Familiarity with message-passing infrastructure and web-service technologies (gRPC, REST APIs, message queues)
- Familiarity with open standards like UCI and OMS, and understanding of data buses and interface protocols common in avionics and aircraft systems
- Experience integrating simulation with autonomy frameworks or real-time operators
- Experience developing and integrating with modeling or analysis pipelines
