Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities - Space

Shield AI Shield AI · Defense · Washington, DC +3 · Flight System Integration

Senior Staff Engineer role focused on developing autonomy capabilities for single- and multi-agent teams of platforms in the defense sector, specifically for space applications. The role involves automating systems through advanced methodologies blending control systems and optimization, with a strong emphasis on robotics technologies like motion planning, behavior modeling, and decision-making. Solutions are expected to be integrated into real-world platforms with near-term impacts.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop functionality to automate single- and multi-agent teams of platforms in pursuit of mission objectives
  2. Operate at all levels of the command-and-control hierarchy (from advanced control laws, through motion planning, and up to advanced tactical behaviors and multi-agent coordination)
  3. Integrate market-differentiating capabilities into customer systems
  4. Address operational system needs through a multitude of advanced methodologies that blend traditional control system approaches with advanced optimization
  5. Integrate developed solutions into real-world platforms with near-term program impacts and rewards

Skills

Required

  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
  • 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years and a Master’s degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
  • Proficiency in C++ and Python
  • Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
  • Significant background in robotics technologies related to motion planning, behavior modeling, decision-making, or autonomous system design
  • Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (ideally in the space domain specifically)
  • Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance

Nice to have

  • Experience in the space domain specifically

What the JD emphasized

  • Significant background in robotics technologies related to motion planning, behavior modeling, decision-making, or autonomous system design
  • Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (ideally in the space domain specifically)

Other signals

  • autonomous system design
  • multi-agent coordination
  • advanced tactical behaviors
  • motion planning
  • decision-making