Full-Time

Senior Director of Engineering

Hivemind Pilot

Posted on 8/16/2024

Shield AI

Shield AI

501-1,000 employees

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

AI & Machine Learning
Defense

Compensation Overview

$219.9k - $358.5kAnnually

Senior, Expert

San Diego, CA, USA

Position requires onsite presence in the San Diego metro area.

Category
Applied Machine Learning
Robotics & Autonomous Systems
AI & Machine Learning
Required Skills
Agile
Git
Product Management
JIRA
C/C++
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 may not be available. This technology allows for safer and more efficient defense operations. Shield AI differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on advanced AI capabilities and securing significant contracts with government and military clients, such as the multi-billion dollar EWAAC contract. The company's goal is to enhance operational capabilities and safety in military contexts, ultimately aiming to protect lives through its innovative solutions.

Company Stage

Debt Financing

Total Funding

$772.8M

Headquarters

San Diego, California

Founded

2015

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

2%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

2%
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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Increased demand for autonomous systems in defense boosts Shield AI's market potential.
  • Successful multi-aircraft autonomous flight tests showcase advanced AI piloting capabilities.
  • Significant investment in robotics indicates a robust market for Shield AI's offerings.

What critics are saying

  • Increased competition from companies like Waymo could divert investment from Shield AI.
  • Geopolitical tensions may challenge the JSW Defence partnership for V-BAT production in India.
  • Dependency on Palantir's infrastructure may limit Shield AI's operational flexibility.

What makes Shield AI unique

  • Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI pilot deployed in combat since 2018.
  • Strategic partnerships with Palantir and JSW Defence enhance technological capabilities and market reach.
  • Shield AI's V-BAT drone is selected for a $198 million U.S. Coast Guard contract.

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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

INACTIVE