Ground Control Software (GCS) Engineer at Shield AI

Dallas, Texas, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Defense, Aerospace, Autonomous SystemsIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of relevant experience, or Masters with 3+ years, or PhD with 1+ year
Demonstrated experience building real-time or performance-sensitive applications—preferably for UAVs, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or simulation environments
Proficiency in a strongly typed programming language (e.g. C#, TypeScript, Java, C++) with exposure to lower-level systems or protocol integration
Experience with web technologies, especially React, TypeScript/JavaScript, and Node.js
Strong software engineering fundamentals including version control, testing, debugging, and performance profiling
Proven ability to deliver high-quality software as part of a collaborative engineering team
Preferred qualifications
Experience with GCS software, mission planning tools, or real-time visualization platforms
Familiarity with API-driven systems using REST or gRPC, and communication protocols like WebSocket or custom telemetry formats
Knowledge of standards such as STANAG 4586, Cursor on Target (CoT), or MAVLink
Familiarity with containerized environments (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD practices
Exposure to distributed systems and cloud integration for telemetry data pipelines
Understanding of security best practices in control systems and networked applications

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and optimize ground control software that enables low-latency communication with UAVs and other autonomous platforms
Build high-performance client and server applications that support telemetry processing, mission planning, and real-time control
Implement responsive user interfaces with React and TypeScript for operator workflows and visualization of spatial data, sensor feeds, and mission state
Collaborate closely with teams across autonomy, embedded systems, backend, and UX to deliver integrated, field-ready solutions
Contribute to architectural decisions and system designs that ensure responsiveness, scalability, and fault-tolerance
Lead development efforts on key features or subsystems, from early design through deployment and iteration
Write high-quality, well-tested code and participate in peer design/code reviews

Skills

React

TypeScript

real-time software

low-latency communication

telemetry processing

mission planning

UAV control

backend development

spatial data visualization

sensor feeds

Shield AI

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

About Shield AI

Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems specifically for the defense industry. The company develops AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communication may not be available. This technology allows for safer and more efficient defense operations. Shield AI differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on advanced AI capabilities and securing significant contracts with government and military clients, such as the multi-billion dollar EWAAC contract. The company's goal is to enhance operational capabilities and safety in military contexts, ultimately aiming to protect lives through its innovative solutions.

San Diego, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2015Year Founded

$772.8MTotal Funding

DEBTCompany Stage

AI & Machine Learning, DefenseIndustries

501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Medical Insurance Coverage

Long Term Disability Insurance

Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA

Employee Assistance Program

Subsidized Gym Membership

Pet Insurance

Competitive Compensation

Retirement Services

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Bereavement Support

Flexible Work Hours

PTO

Paid Holidays

Commuter Benefits

Relaxed Dress Code

Yearly Swag Items

Unlimited Snacks

Bottomless Beverages

Annual Celebrations

Work From Home Benefits

Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors

Risks

Increased competition from companies like Waymo could divert investment from Shield AI.

Geopolitical tensions may challenge the JSW Defence partnership for V-BAT production in India.

Dependency on Palantir's infrastructure may limit Shield AI's operational flexibility.

Differentiation

Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI pilot deployed in combat since 2018.

Strategic partnerships with Palantir and JSW Defence enhance technological capabilities and market reach.

Shield AI's V-BAT drone is selected for a $198 million U.S. Coast Guard contract.

Upsides

Increased demand for autonomous systems in defense boosts Shield AI's market potential.

Successful multi-aircraft autonomous flight tests showcase advanced AI piloting capabilities.

Significant investment in robotics indicates a robust market for Shield AI's offerings.

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