Senior Staff Engineer, Autonomy (R3955) at Shield AI

London, England, United Kingdom

Shield AI Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Aerospace, Defense, Autonomous SystemsIndustries

Requirements

  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
  • Typically requires a minimum of 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
  • Significant background in robotics technologies related to sensing, estimation, path planning, and data fusion
  • Proficiency in software development, benchmarking, debugging, and deployment
  • 7+ years of experience in Unmanned Systems programs in the DoD or applied R&D
  • 2+ years of people leadership experience
  • Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (specifically air domain)
  • Experience working projects with 10+ contributors
  • Offers fast, efficient, effective problem solving approaches
  • Exceptional collaborator and communicator
  • Comfortability within Unix environments
  • Hard-working, trustworthy teammate
  • Exhibits holding themselves and others to high standards
  • Being kind to others
  • Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance
  • Experience in a collaborative development environment, focused on continuous integration/delivery & test-driven development
  • Strong knowledge of modern software engineering best practices
  • Demonstrated record of working hard, strong communication skills, being a trustworthy teammate, and being kind to others
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Preferred qualifications
  • MS or greater in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
  • Mathematical background in both linear/nonlinear control theory and autonomous systems technologies/algorithms
  • Demonstrated problem solving skills by applying a scientific approach
  • Ability to understand, derive, and implement motion models and accompanying controllers for trajectory generation and tracking
  • Active UK security clearance

Responsibilities

  • Lead teams at the intersection of artificial intelligence, task & motion planning, and controls
  • Work closely with talented engineers to architect solutions
  • Set standards for software engineering
  • Drive strategic technical improvements
  • Mentor other engineers
  • Integrate Shield AI autonomy products together with third party systems
  • Write autonomous behaviors for varying aircraft platforms (i.e., VTOL and Fixed Wing)
  • Work with Subject Matter Experts to understand customer needs and implement appropriate autonomy solutions

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

AutonomyAITask PlanningMotion PlanningControlsReinforcement LearningSoftware EngineeringVTOLFixed WingAircraft Platforms

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience level is required for this Senior Staff Engineer role?

Typically requires a minimum of 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.

What are the key technical skills needed for this position?

Significant background in robotics technologies related to sensing, estimation, path planning, and data fusion is required, along with proficiency in software development, benchmarking, debugging, and deployment, and experience with unmanned system technologies in the air domain.

Is leadership experience required for this role?

Yes, 2+ years of people leadership experience is required.

What is the company culture like at Shield AI?

The culture values fast, efficient, effective problem solving, exceptional collaboration and communication, hard-working and trustworthy teammates who hold themselves and others to high standards, and being kind to others.

What makes a strong candidate for this Autonomy Engineer position?

A strong candidate has a relevant degree or equivalent experience, 7-10+ years in unmanned systems or DoD R&D, leadership experience, expertise in robotics and air domain algorithms, and thrives in collaborative Unix-based development environments.

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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