Full-Time
Senior Staff Engineer
Software, C++
Updated on 3/14/2025
Shield AI
501-1,000 employees
Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense
Compensation Overview
$175.2k - $262.8kAnnually
Expert
Washington, DC, USA
Hybrid position requiring some in-office days.
US Top Secret Clearance Required
- BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
- Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years and a Master’s degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
- Ability to develop, benchmark, debug, and deploy software-based algorithms
- Demonstrated problem solving skills by applying a scientific approach
- 7+ years of industry experience
- 2+ years of people leadership experience
- Experience working projects with 10+ contributors
- Offers Fast, efficient, effective problem solving approaches
- Exceptional collaborator and communicator
- Comfortability within Unix environments
- Hard-working, trustworthy teammate
- Exhibits holding themselves and others to high standards
- Being kind to others
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance
- Experience in a collaborative development environment, focused on continuous integration/delivery & test-driven development
- Strong knowledge of modern software engineering best practices
- Demonstrated record of working hard, strong communication skills, being a trustworthy teammate, and being kind to others
- Strong organizational skills
- Lead teams at the intersection of artificial intelligence, task & motion planning, and controls
- Work closely with talented engineers to architect solutions, set standards for software engineering, drive strategic technical improvements, and mentor other engineers
- Write C++ software to help develop tooling and automated testing for autonomy solutions
- Work with Subject Matter Experts to understand the customer demand and implement software solutions that meet their needs
- Collaborate with Systems and Test engineers to develop fully tested, integrated solutions
- MS or greater in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
- Understanding of robotics technologies related to autonomous behavior development e.g. task allocation or planning
- Understanding/Experience with unmanned system technologies and accompanying algorithms (specifically air domain)
- Active SECRET clearance
- Experience with UCI and OMS Standards
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 challenging military scenarios and by 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 defense operations, ultimately aiming to protect lives.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Late Stage VC
Total Funding
$1B
Headquarters
San Diego, California
Founded
2015
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Recent $240 million funding round boosts Shield AI's growth and innovation capabilities.
- Collaboration with L3Harris enhances Shield AI's electronic warfare solutions and market opportunities.
- Gary Steele's appointment as CEO positions Shield AI for accelerated growth and market leadership.
What critics are saying
- Emerging AI defense startups could threaten Shield AI's market position with competitive solutions.
- Rapid AI advancements may require Shield AI to invest heavily in R&D to stay competitive.
- Potential delays in government contract approvals could impact Shield AI's revenue stream.
What makes Shield AI unique
- Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI Pilot deployed in combat since 2018.
- The company focuses on AI systems for defense, enhancing military operations' safety and efficiency.
- Shield AI's strategic acquisitions, like Martin UAV, strengthen its position in defense technology.
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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
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 1%1 year growth
↑ 0%2 year growth
↑ 0%Earlier, Shield AI announced on the 6th that it secured $240 million in funding from strategic investor Hanwha Aerospace and existing investors such as Andreessen Horowitz.
SAN DIEGO, March 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shield AI, the deep-tech company building state-of-the-art autonomy software and defense aircraft, today announced a leadership transition designed to accelerate the company's next phase of growth. Gary Steele, a seasoned technology executive with over 30 years of experience scaling global technology enterprises, will join Shield AI as CEO on May 13, 2025. Steele will also join Shield AI's Board of Directors, bringing a proven track record of driving high-growth companies toward operational scale and market leadership.After a decade as Co-Founder and CEO, Ryan Tseng has made the decision to step down from his role and transition into Co-Founder and President, where he will focus on driving senior level engagement with the US and foreign policy and defense leaders, as well as with aerospace and defense companies. Under Ryan's leadership, Shield AI has achieved extraordinary growth, expanding to more than 900 teammates, raising over $1 billion in funding, and becoming the fourth multi-billion-dollar defense technology company."Among my most important responsibilities has always been ensuring Shield AI is led by the absolute best person for the role. Exceptional leaders prioritize mission, embody honor, are service-driven, intellectually rigorous, tireless in effort, wise in judgment, and introspective," said Ryan Tseng. "Over the past year, with the demand for autonomy solutions at scale and the growth of our aircraft business, it became unmistakably clear that Shield AI required a leader with not only deep software expertise but proven experience scaling technology organizations
Learn more about the $240 million F-1 strategic financing round closed by Shield AI to help expand the deployment of its Hivemind Enterprise AI-powered autonomy software suite.
Industrial observers say Shield AI's software could be integrated into Hanwha's future unmanned aircraft platforms.
Shield AI on Thursday said it has raised $240 million in a new funding round to fuel growth of its autonomy software suite that it recently began offering to other companies, governments, and developers to build, test, and integrate autonomy into their robotic...