Principal Engineer, Autonomy (R3214)

About Shield AI     Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms, enabling complex missions with high reliability in contested environments. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and internationally, Shield AI’s products actively support U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn,Twitter, and Instagram.   
An autonomy engineer on the Hivemind Systems Advanced Autonomy Applications team will be responsible for developing new Hivemind SDK capabilities and applying them to emerging platforms and solutions. Our goal is act as a customer surrogate, develop transformative capabilities in the SDK, and provide “defect-free“ product releases to ensure that internal and external customers are able to rapidly build upon Hivemind.

What you'll do:

• Leverage Shield AI’s autonomy software development kit (Hivemind SDK) to develop innovative solutions for autonomy across emerging platforms.
• Develop the tools necessary to accelerate autonomy development and deployments to platforms. These include full stack, cloud applications for creating, deploying, and analyzing simulation jobs.
• Develop specialized capabilities for emerging platforms that incorporate platform specific sensors, effectors, and motion models 
• Package and deploy code for a variety of computer architectures and operation systems
• Be directly responsible for Forge, Pilot, and Commander integration at the edge
• Identifying gaps in Hivemind SDK, working with teams to formulate solutions and backlogs, and leading the cross functional team to on-time execution 

Required Qualifications:

• Typically requires a minimum of 15 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 14 years and a Master’s degree; or 12 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• Deep experience with C++17 or greater
• Experience with Python, Docker, and Javascript
• Experience with hands-on debugging of complex software and autonomy systems on real world platforms 
• Experience with Image Acquisition and Processing on Embedded Platforms
• Familiarity with CUDA, streaming video, hardware integration, networking, communications  
• Experience with robotics frameworks, such as ROS, and simulators (e.g.AirSim)
• Understanding about a wide range of autonomy products
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Experience leading teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep experience with Python, Docker, Golang, and React
• Developed applications with GStreamer, CUDA Graphs, OpenGL, and/or OpenCV
• Developed full stack cloud applications

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.