Skip to main content

Staff Software Engineer, Software Integration & Test

Shield AISoftware
Work mode
On-site
Full Time
Experience
7+ yrs
Bachelor's

What you need

  • 7+ yrs experience with bachelor's degree
  • Advanced C++14/17/20 and legacy C++98/03
  • Linux/Unix system-level development and debugging
  • Distributed systems, real-time, hardware/software integration
  • CI/CD, Docker, Conan, CMake expertise

What you'll do

  • Architect high-performance C++/Python cross-platform systems
  • Lead design/integration of distributed systems and simulation
  • Define technical direction, design patterns, integration practices
  • Build messaging/API layers (gRPC, REST, ZeroMQ)
  • Own CI/CD pipelines with GitLab CI, Docker, Conan, CMake
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

This role is for a seasoned C++ generalist and systems integrator who thrives at the intersection of software, infrastructure, and integration. You’ll lead complex technical efforts across distributed systems and simulation environments, with minimal oversight. Your work will shape foundational capabilities that power autonomy, simulation, and real-time system interfaces across multiple platforms.

What You'll Do:

  • Architect and implement high-performance C++ and Python systems across cross-platform environments.
  • Lead the design and integration of distributed systems, simulation tools, and third-party hardware/software.
  • Define and enforce technical direction, design patterns, and integration practices across projects.
  • Guide teams in building robust messaging and API layers (e.g., gRPC, REST, ZeroMQ) that bridge critical system components.
  • Own the evolution and support of CI/CD pipelines using GitLab CI, Docker, Conan, and CMake.
  • Lead debugging and optimization of real-time and multi-threaded systems across a range of domains.
  • Drive end-to-end integration efforts, including planning, implementation, and verification across simulation and operational systems.
  • Serve as a force multiplier by mentoring other engineers and contributing to shared tooling and process improvements.
  • Evaluate and incorporate new technologies that improve system performance, stability, and developer efficiency.
  • Required Qualifications:

  • Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a
  • Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
  • Advanced experience designing and maintaining large C++ systems, with fluency in C++14/17/20 and comfort navigating legacy C++98/03 codebases.
  • Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments, including system-level development and debugging tools.
  • Strong systems integration background with practical experience in distributed systems, real-time processing, and hardware/software interfaces.
  • Significant experience with CI/CD systems, containerization (e.g., Docker), and build tooling (e.g., CMake, Conan).
  • Proficiency in Python and familiarity with other scripting and automation tools.
  • Deep knowledge of Linux environments (Windows experience is a bonus).
  • Demonstrated success leading efforts involving 10+ contributors, including technical planning and mentorship.
  • Strong understanding of networking concepts and communication protocols.
  • Preferred Qualifications:

  • Real-time or distributed simulation experience (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS, or similar).
  • Familiarity with message-passing infrastructure and web-service technologies like gRPC, REST APIs, and message queues.
  • Familiarity with open standards like UCI and OMS, and an understanding of data buses and interface protocols common in avionics and aircraft systems.
  • Experience integrating simulation with autonomy frameworks or real-time operators.
  • Experience developing and integrating with modeling or analysis pipelines
  •  
    Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.

    Optimize your resume for this job

    Get a match score and the keywords you're missing

    Optimize resume

    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.

    Similar Software roles

    Staff Software Engineer, Software Integration & Test
    Shield AI
    Apply