
Software Development Engineer - New Graduate
San Diego, California at a glance
- Rent
- #2 of 51$1,510/mo+46% vs US avg
- Weather
- #17 of 51154 mild days71 hot · 12 cold
- Income tax
- #1 of 5113.3% top rateCalifornia
What you need
- Pursuing BS/MS/PhD in CS, Robotics, EE, Aerospace or related, graduating Dec 2026–Aug 2027
- Proficiency in C++ and/or Python
- Solid foundation in data structures, algorithms, software fundamentals
- Ability to own well-scoped tasks with limited guidance
- Must work in-person full-time
What you'll do
- Design, implement, test, ship C++/Python features for autonomy software
- Write embedded firmware in C/C++ for real-time UAV flight control
- Develop autonomy software for mission behavior, planning, multi-agent coordination, perception
- Build unit/integration tests, analyze simulation/bench results, debug using logs/telemetry
- Support software integration across autonomy, platform interfaces, sensors, C2 systems
We are seeking Autonomous Software Engineers for full-time roles starting in 2027! This is a paid, in-person, full-time position for students graduating during the 2026-2027 academic year. We are now reviewing applications for positions starting after graduation in 2027.
What you'll do
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Design, implement, test, and ship C++ and/or Python features, tools, and tests alongside experienced engineers.
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Write embedded firmware in C/C++ for real-time software that controls our advanced UAV while in flight.
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Develop tests, reporters, and tooling in Python to validate software behavior and performance.
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Develop and evaluate autonomy software across areas such as mission behavior, planning, multi-agent coordination, decision-making, platform integration, or perception (object detection, tracking, sensor fusion, localization, situational awareness, or AI/ML-enabled workflows).
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Build unit and integration tests, run and analyze simulation or bench results, and investigate failures using logs, telemetry, traces, and debugging tools.
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Support software integration across autonomy capabilities, platform/vehicle interfaces, sensors, perception products, mission compute, and operator or command-and-control (C2) systems, including simulation, software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and bench testing.
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Work with real and simulated data from cameras, EO/IR sensors, IMUs, GPS, radars, or other mission payloads.
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Work cross-functionally with electrical and mechanical engineers to help determine and validate software requirements.
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Write documentation for setup steps, interface assumptions, configuration, test procedures, and findings to make workflows repeatable.
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Participate in code reviews, design discussions, and test debriefs, and take on more ownership of features and fixes over time.
Required Qualifications
Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, graduating between December 2026 and August 2027.
Proficiency in C++ and/or Python.
Solid foundation in data structures, algorithms, and software fundamentals.
Ability to own well-scoped tasks with limited guidance and communicate progress clearly.
Must be able to work in-person full-time.
Preferred Qualifications
Hands-on project experience (competition team, research lab, capstone, or personal projects) involving robotics, controls, planning, computer vision, or machine learning.
Prior internship or co-op experience writing software.
Familiarity with simulation tools, ROS/ROS2, or hardware-in-the-loop/software-in-the-loop testing.
Experience with sensor data (cameras, EO/IR, IMU, GPS, radar) or multimodal AI/ML data (vision-language or vision-language-action models).
Experience writing unit/integration tests and debugging using logs or telemetry.
Comfortable working in a Linux environment and using version control (e.g., Git).
Exposure to embedded systems, real-time software, or safety-critical software practices.
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About Shield AI
Shield AI is a defense technology company building the world's best AI pilot. Their Hivemind AI enables autonomous operations for aircraft, including the V-BAT team drone, without requiring GPS, communications, or a human pilot.
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