Simplify Logo

Full-Time

Senior Director of Engineering

Hivemind Pilot, R2794

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Shield AI

Shield AI

501-1,000 employees

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

Robotics & Automation
Hardware
AI & Machine Learning
Aerospace

Compensation Overview

$219.9k - $358.5kAnnually

Senior, Expert

San Diego, CA, USA

Category
Applied Machine Learning
Robotics & Autonomous Systems
AI & Machine Learning
Required Skills
Microsoft Azure
Agile
Git
Development Operations (DevOps)
Requirements
  • MS in Computer Science, Autonomy, Robotics, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 15+ years of total industry experience
  • 9+ years of experience in building and leading engineering teams
  • 5+ years of industry experience of building and leading a team of teams for mid-sized teams of 25-50 people.
  • Proven track record of successful product launches in Autonomy/AI/Robotics as a manager.
  • Strong expertise in autonomy and C++ software development.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
  • Experience with agile development methodologies.
  • Proven experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while manage multiple evolving priorities effectively.
  • Demonstrable experience in writing C++ code in past projects
  • Proficiency in development tools like Git, Jira, Azure Devops, GitHub, SharePoint, M365, etc.
Responsibilities
  • Drive the technical direction and execution of the Hivemind Pilot product.
  • Lead a 40-50 person engineering team in developing and maintaining the architecture and software components of the Hivemind Pilot, along with many representative implementations.
  • Support the specialization of the Hivemind Pilot and integration for customer projects.
  • Manage competing business priorities and technical needs to create high quality engineering plans and deliver capabilities on time within budget.
  • Manage the software development life cycle for the Hivemind Pilot.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including program management, product management, sales, and customer success, to ensure successful product development and deployment.
  • Review customer requirements and decompose them into systems/engineering requirements.
  • Hire A-players at both manager and IC level to meet business objectives.
  • Foster a high-performance culture through mentorship, talent development, and effective team management.
  • Stay calm under pressure to keep team members aligned and focused.
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices in AI and autonomy development.

Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems specifically for the defense industry. The company develops AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communication are unavailable. This technology allows for safer and more efficient defense operations. Shield AI differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on advanced AI solutions tailored for government and military clients, securing significant contracts like the multi-billion dollar EWAAC contract, which demonstrates its credibility and capability in the market. The company's goal is to enhance operational safety and effectiveness in military missions, ultimately aiming to protect lives through its innovative technologies.

Company Stage

Series F

Total Funding

$940.7M

Headquarters

San Diego, California

Founded

2015

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

8%

1 year growth

19%

2 year growth

56%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Shield AI's recent $198 million contract with the U.S. Coast Guard highlights its growing influence and reliability in the defense sector.
  • The company's valuation has surged to $2.8 billion, reflecting strong investor confidence and financial health.
  • Significant Series F funding and debt financing provide ample resources for continued innovation and expansion.

What critics are saying

  • The defense technology market is highly competitive, requiring continuous innovation to maintain a leading position.
  • Dependence on government contracts can lead to revenue volatility due to changing political and budgetary priorities.

What makes Shield AI unique

  • Shield AI specializes in AI and autonomous systems specifically for the defense industry, unlike competitors who may focus on broader applications.
  • Their ability to operate in GPS and communication-denied environments provides a unique advantage in critical military scenarios.
  • Strategic acquisitions like Martin UAV and significant contracts such as the EWAAC and Air Golden Horde Vanguard Program validate their technological capabilities and market position.

Benefits

Medical Insurance Coverage

Long Term Disability Insurance

Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA

Employee Assistance Program

Subsidized Gym Membership

Pet Insurance

Competitive Compensation

Retirement Services

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Bereavement Support

Flexible Work Hours

PTO

Paid Holidays

Commuter Benefits

Relaxed Dress Code

Yearly Swag Items

Unlimited Snacks

Bottomless Beverages

Annual Celebrations

Work From Home Benefits

Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors