Staff Software Engineer, Testing (Hivemind)

Shield AI is a venture-backed defence technology company building intelligent autonomous systems for aircraft. Our mission is to protect service members and civilians through AI and autonomy.
Founded in 2015, Shield AI’s flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms to perform complex missions with high reliability in contested environments.
For more information, visit www.shield.ai and follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Instagram.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop Python and C++ software to support autonomy solutions, including tooling, automation, testing, and analysis.
• Work closely with engineers across AI, autonomy, and robotics to architect high-quality, scalable software solutions.
• Set software engineering standards, contribute to technical direction, and mentor other engineers.
• Collaborate with Systems and Test teams to deliver fully integrated, tested autonomy solutions.
• Partner with Subject Matter Experts to translate customer needs into practical software applications.
• Contribute to a high-performing engineering team delivering advanced AI solutions on real-world hardware platforms.

What You’ll Bring:

• Significant programming skills in Python, C++, or similar languages.
• Experience developing, benchmarking, debugging, and deploying software-based algorithms.
• Knowledge of modern software engineering best practices, including CI/CD and test-driven development.
• Experience working on complex, large-scale projects.
• Recent leadership or mentoring experience in engineering teams.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Bonus Points For:

• Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, and modern infrastructure tools.
• Familiarity with web-service technologies (gRPC, REST APIs, message queues like ActiveMQ/ZeroMQ).
• Experience with Python data analysis (Pandas, NumPy, Dagster) and C++ build tools (CMake, Conan).
• Experience with Reinforcement Learning, Machine Learning, and AI-based autonomy.
• Understanding of robotics and autonomous behaviour development, including task planning and allocation.
• Experience with unmanned system algorithms, particularly in the air domain.
• Familiarity with UCI and OMS open architecture standards.

Why Shield AI?

• Work on mission-critical AI and autonomy systems solving real-world defence and security challenges.
• Join a high-performing, collaborative engineering team working at the cutting edge of technology.
• Enjoy a flexible, supportive work environment - our office is located in Port Melbourne, close to Melbourne CBD.
• Salary + equity for permanent roles, with flexible working options available.

Help us redefine what’s possible in autonomous defence — apply today!
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, colour, 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.