Autonomy Software Integration & Test Manager

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. 

We are seeking a Manager, Autonomy Software Integration & Test to lead a team supporting the development, integration, testing, and deployment of autonomous systems in Ukraine.

This is a hands-on leadership role that combines people management with technical execution across software, hardware, aircraft systems, and flight operations. The ideal candidate has strong software and systems-integration experience, develops high-performing engineers, and can lead complex work in fast-paced field environments.

This role will primarily support operations in the Kyiv region, with occasional travel to other locations within Ukraine.

What You'll Do

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Autonomy Software Integration & Test Engineers.

• Set technical priorities, assign resources, manage schedules, and ensure the team delivers against operational requirements.

• Guide the development and integration of autonomy software across fixed-wing, multirotor, and other unmanned systems.

• Provide technical direction for software bring-up, system configuration, troubleshooting, and mission readiness.

• Oversee simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, ground-test, and live flight-test activities.

• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis across software, onboard compute, networking, radios, sensors, flight controllers, and mission systems.

• Coordinate engineering support for demonstrations and operational test events, including pre-flight preparation and post-flight analysis. 

• Partner with autonomy, systems, hardware, flight-test, and operational teams to integrate and validate new capabilities.

• Establish effective test procedures, integration workflows, documentation, and deployment-readiness standards.

• Remain technically engaged and contribute directly to development, integration, and field troubleshooting when needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• 5+ years of experience developing, integrating, or testing software for robotics, autonomy, aerospace, embedded systems, or a related field.

• Previous experience managing or leading engineering teams.

• Strong software-engineering experience in C++ and Python.

• Experience with Linux-based systems and hands-on hardware/software integration.

• Experience supporting field testing, flight testing, demonstrations, or operational exercises.

• Familiarity with MAVLink, PX4, ArduPilot, QGroundControl, or related unmanned-systems technologies.

• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate independently in dynamic environments.

• Ability to travel within Ukraine as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading teams supporting autonomous aircraft or unmanned systems.

• Experience with SIL, HIL, VIL, simulation, or flight-test environments.

• Familiarity with ROS, DDS, embedded systems, or real-time systems.

• Experience with flight controllers, avionics, RF communications, datalinks, or networking systems.

• Background in defense, robotics, aerospace, or autonomous systems.

• Ukrainian and English language proficiency.

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.