Engineer I, Software - Autonomous Pilot Integration - New Grad - 6125

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 .

Overview

The Autonomous Pilot Integration team builds and maintains a reusable core pilot and applies it to real programs and platforms. We combine Hivemind SDK, Perception, and Autonomy Capabilities components into complete mission solutions, adapt them to vehicle and operator interfaces, and validate behavior in simulation, labs, and representative tests. This role contributes to both reusable pilot software and program-specific autonomy applications.

As an entry-level engineer, you will work with experienced engineers on well-defined software, configuration, and test tasks. You will learn how mission behavior, platform control, sensors, and C2 work together without being expected to own an interface, release, or test event independently.

What you'll do:
* Implement C++ changes to program-specific mission behavior, autonomy configuration, diagnostics, or an assigned platform-interface component with guidance.
* Develop and adapt supported pilot behaviors and reference configurations for defined missions or platforms, contributing reusable improvements to the core pilot with guidance.
* Run builds and unit or integration tests; help reproduce issues using simulation, logs, and telemetry.
* Assist with validation of command, status, sensor, and mission data flows in lab or SIL/HIL environments.
* Document setup steps, interface assumptions, test findings, and reproducible failures for the program team.
* Work with the Autonomy Capabilities team on planning and other capability interfaces, and with Integration & Test and platform teams on platform interfaces, compute, and test environments.

We are seeking Autonomous Software Engineers for full-time roles starting in 2027! This is a paid, in-person, full-time position for students graduating during the 2026-2027 academic year. We are now reviewing applications for positions starting after graduation in 2027.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, graduating between December 2026 and August 2027.

• Foundational C++ or Python programming demonstrated through coursework, projects, research, internships, or work experience.

• Familiarity with Linux, Git, debugging, and basic software-testing practices.

• Ability to complete scoped tasks with guidance, communicate progress, and incorporate feedback.

• Must be able to work in-person full-time.

• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior internship or co-op experience writing software.

• Projects involving autonomy, platform controls, sensors, simulation, or C2 interfaces.

• Familiarity with containers, message buses, networking, or hardware-in-the-loop testing.

• Interest in hands-on lab work and occasional integration or field-test events.