Senior Software Engineer, Embedded Firmware (R3148)

About Shield AI

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown jets (F-16; MQM-178 Firejet), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (MQ-35 V-BAT), and three quadcopters (Nova, Nova 2, iPRD). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies.

The VBAT Embedded Software team is a motivated group of engineers focused on developing complex avionics software that merges hardware, operating systems and applications for cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). Embedded Software engineers work with customer programs, electrical engineers, Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC) engineers, systems engineers, test engineers and the Autonomy AI team to design and develop software systems which utilize modern aerospace sensors, state-of-the-art UAV avionics, and groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence applications.

As a member of the VBAT Embedded Software team, you will develop and maintain software architectures, generate and maintain all levels of software requirements, document and present software designs, coordinate software development, and marshal the entire suite of VBAT software through test and verification, release, and deployment to production and customers. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Develop high-quality C++ code tailored specifically for V-Bat aircraft, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and safety. 
• Develop hardware drivers for controlling robotic vehicles in flight – including drivers for navigation systems, radar systems, and engine control. 
• Implement cutting-edge software solutions for operating autonomous aircraft during GPS-denied flight and landing sequences 
• Attend flight test events in the field, performing integration activities and live debugging on aircraft in-flight 
• Design and implement systems for automated testing, including creating new CI/CD pipelines and creating tests for virtualized hardware and hardware-in-the-loop simulations. 
• Prototype new hardware platforms to validate critical design concepts and assess technical limitations 
• Integrate a real-time operating system onto custom System-On-a-Module (SOM) 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree is required; or 2 years and a PhD. 
• Bachelors in CS, CE, EE. 
• Demonstrated track record of assuming ownership over development processes and features and delivering outstanding outcomes.
• Strong C/C++ background 
• Experience in bare-metal firmware development for embedded systems 
• Experience in a collaborative development environment, focused on continuous integration/delivery & unit testing to assure software quality. 
• Familiarity with common version control (git) and build systems (CMake, or similar) 
• Demonstrated record of working hard, strong communication skills, being a trustworthy teammate, and being kind to others. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2+ years professional avionics software development experience 
• Experience working on cutting-edge autonomous robotic systems
• Experience in Linux Kernel or RTOS development - device trees and bring up on new hardware 
• Experience working on safety-critical applications in a regulated industry (civil aviation, automotive, etc.) 

Total package details for U.S. based positions:

- Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

- Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days

of employment)

- Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity

Total package details for International positions which are roles based outside of the United States (where applicable):

- International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer

allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.