Qualifications
What You'll Do:Establish and enhance simulation frameworks for comprehensive testing of autonomy, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), as well as embedded systems using modern C++.Create high-performance, deterministic simulation tools capable of faster-than-real-time execution for development, testing, and deployment.Integrate fundamental physics, dynamics, and system models (e.g., aerodynamics, propulsion, controls) into a cohesive simulation environment.Work collaboratively across autonomy, embedded, GNC, and testing teams to ensure simulations accurately replicate real aircraft behavior and mission scenarios.Develop infrastructure for continuous integration, parallel simulation execution, and automated regression testing.Profile, optimize, and validate C++ codebases to enhance performance, determinism, and fidelity.Contribute to architectural choices shaping the next generation of aircraft simulation tools at Shield AI.Mentor fellow engineers and promote best practices in C++, simulation architecture, and performance engineering.Required Qualifications:Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.5+ years of experience in software development, with a strong focus on modern C++ (C++17 or newer) and performance optimization.Demonstrated experience in developing or integrating simulation systems for robotics, aerospace, or autonomous systems.Solid understanding of real-time and deterministic software design, including multi-threading, synchronization, and memory management.Knowledge of rigid-body dynamics, kinematics, and fundamental flight mechanics.Familiarity with DevOps-integrated simulation workflows, including CI/CD and containerization.Proficient in troubleshooting complex build and runtime environments (CMake, dependency management, logging, profiling tools).Strong communication and collaboration skills across software, hardware, and systems disciplines.
About the job
Join Shield AI as a Senior Engineer, where your expertise will help us turn advanced autonomy into mission-ready aircraft. Our Software Integration & Operations (SIO) team leads the commit-to-flight pipeline, focusing on deterministic simulation at scale, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) integration, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), automated testing, and release engineering.
In this role, you will play a pivotal part in our next-generation aircraft program, leveraging our robust infrastructure to introduce new capabilities. You will be designing, developing, and scaling sophisticated C++-based simulation tools that rigorously test and validate the complete aircraft software stack—from autonomy systems to avionics—before they take to the skies. Your work will empower developers to expedite testing, aid system engineers in early performance evaluations, and allow release engineers to deliver with confidence.
About Shield AI
At Shield AI, we are dedicated to revolutionizing autonomy and enhancing the capabilities of aircraft through cutting-edge technology. Our mission is to develop safe, reliable, and efficient AI-driven solutions that empower the aviation industry. Join a team of innovators committed to making a significant impact in the field of flight and autonomy.