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Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Expeditionary (R5208)

Shield AI21 Jul 2026
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Job Description

The Autonomous Pilot Integration team for expeditionary platforms builds autonomy solutions for V-BAT — an unmanned aircraft operating in expeditionary environments for ISR, target acquisition, communications, and multi-agent missions. The team also builds autonomy for X-BAT, a new platform under development by the aircraft team; for X-BAT, the team builds on top of the existing mission autonomy solution from the Strategic Systems (ACP) portfolio and works closely with the aircraft team on the flight-autonomy interface. We combine capabilities from the Autonomy Capabilities team (motion planning, tactics), the Perception team (e.g., ViDAR, ATR), and the HivemindSDK to develop the autonomy software that runs on these platforms, then integrate, validate, and field it on the real hardware — for U.S. and international defense customers. 

 
In this role, you'll lead the technical delivery of complex autonomy capabilities spanning platform integration, mission autonomy, and operational deployment. You'll own some of the team's most challenging technical problems—from defining flight-autonomy interfaces and integrating advanced payloads to driving mission readiness for customer releases. You'll influence technical direction across multiple subsystems while partnering closely with the Aircraft team, Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS, Strategic Systems (ACP), feature crews, and customer stakeholders. 

You'll combine deep technical expertise with systems thinking to drive successful integration across software, hardware, and operations while mentoring engineers and improving engineering practices across the Expeditionary portfolio. 

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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. 

Frequently asked questions

Is the Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Expeditionary (R5208) position at Shield AI remote?

The Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Expeditionary (R5208) role at Shield AI is an on-site or hybrid position.

What type of employment is the Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Expeditionary (R5208) role?

Shield AI is hiring for a full-time Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Expeditionary (R5208) position.

How do I apply for the Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Expeditionary (R5208) position at Shield AI?

You can apply for the Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration – Expeditionary (R5208) role directly through Shield AI's official application link provided on this page.

Interested in this role?

Apply directly on the company's website.

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Shield AI

Shield AI

Website
Posted21 Jul 2026
Typefulltime
LevelLead
LocationWashington, DC
Apply NowView All Jobs at Shield AI

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