Staff Software Engineer, Autonomy Capabilities – Space (R5368)

Boston, Massachusettsfull time

On Site

senior

H1B: no

Shield Staff Software Engineer on the Autonomy Capabilities Team leading technical delivery of complex autonomy capabilities for space portfolio. Focuses on satellites and missile defense applications with advanced methodologies blending control systems and optimization.

Responsibilities

Multi-Objective Optimization – Use advanced optimization strategies to perform large-scale distributed decision making, task allocation, and resource scheduling in multi-satellite coordinated missions
Weapons Target Assignment – Employ cutting edge approaches for weapons target assignment and motion planning for fleets of space vehicles and interceptors that have critical roles in our national defense
Advance the State of the Art – Pioneer advanced topics in low-SWaP optimal control, tactical behavior management in cooperative and adversarial contexts, and information-aware planning
Rigorous Software Development – Develop high-performance software modules that are well-tested, have clear interfaces and span-of-control, and are ready for mid-to-high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) insertions
Cross-Functional Collaboration – Collaborate with cross-functional teams including perception, planning, simulation, hardware, and flight test to ensure seamless integration of autonomy solutions on real-world platforms
Deployment & Test Support – Deploy autonomy capabilities to real space vehicles, supporting analysis of mission logs to verify software performance and validate system operational effect
R&D and Road-mapping – Contribute to autonomy roadmaps by researching and prototyping new algorithms, identifying tactical capability gaps, and proposing novel solutions that advance Shield AI’s mission
Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 10-15% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events).

Qualification

BS/MS in Computer ScienceStrong problem-solving skillsTemporary employee offer package

Required

BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 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 one or several robotic technology areas related to control systems, motion planning, optimization, tactical behaviors, and/or distributed decision-making
Significant experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (ideally in the space domain specifically)
Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS, or similar) for testing and validation
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance
Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance or higher

Preferred

Experience in multiple aerospace domains (e.g., air, land, sea, space)
Experience across a breadth of methodologies from classical control through optimization and applied ML/RL
Background in collaborative behaviors and swarm robotics
Familiarity with domain-relevant DoD or government programs
Hands-on experience supporting integration events, customer demos, and/or live exercises
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package: