Robotics Engineer, Autonomy
Serve Robotics$140,000 - $170,000/year
Full Time
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Defense, AerospaceIndustries
Requirements
- BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, 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 with a Master’s degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
- Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
- Significant background in robotics technologies related to motion planning, behavior modeling, decision-making, or autonomous system design
Responsibilities
- Design tactical autonomy algorithms to enable unmanned aircraft to perform complex missions across air, land, and sea domains with minimal human supervision
- Develop high-performance software modules that incorporate planning, decision-making, and behavior execution strategies for dynamic and adversarial environments
- Implement and test behavior architectures that enable multi-agent coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios
- Work at the intersection of classical autonomy and machine learning, blending rule-based systems with learning-based methods such as reinforcement learning to achieve robust, adaptive behavior
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test to ensure seamless integration of autonomy solutions on real-world platforms
- Deploy autonomy capabilities to real platforms and participate in field tests and flight demos, validating performance in operationally relevant conditions
- Analyze mission logs and performance data to diagnose failures, optimize behavior models, and inform iterative development
- Contribute to the autonomy roadmap by researching and prototyping new algorithms, identifying tactical capability gaps, and proposing novel solutions that advance Shield AI’s mission
- Support defense-focused programs and customer needs by adapting autonomy solutions to evolving mission sets, compliance requirements, and operational feedback
- Travel around 10-15% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events)
Skills
Key technologies and capabilities for this role
Questions & Answers
Common questions about this position
What are the main responsibilities of this Senior Staff Engineer role?
The role involves designing tactical autonomy algorithms for unmanned aircraft, developing high-performance software for planning and decision-making, implementing behavior architectures for multi-agent coordination, integrating hybrid autonomy methods, collaborating cross-functionally, deploying to real platforms, analyzing mission data, and contributing to R&D roadmapping.
Is this a remote position or does it require working from an office?
This information is not specified in the job description.
What salary or compensation is offered for this position?
This information is not specified in the job description.
What skills and experience make an ideal candidate for this role?
An ideal candidate applies classical autonomous techniques, algorithms, and theory to platforms in tactical scenarios, works with high-performance software development, hybrid autonomy integrating classical and reinforcement learning methods, and has experience solving complex problems across diverse domains.
What is the company culture or work environment like at Shield AI?
This information is not specified in the job description.
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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