Engineer 2 New Grad
Shield AI
Engineer 2 New Grad
Shield AI
Builds autonomous aircraft for defense
Salary Range: 77200 to 211200 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)
The Ground Control Station (GCS) Software team extends the Hivemind Commander platform to support mission planning, command and control, and post-mission debrief for operators of unmanned systems. Our full-stack engineers build web-based operator experiences and supporting services that bring program and platform capabilities into Commander.
As an Engineer II, you will build and test Hivemind Commander extensions across the user interface and backend. You will deliver assigned planning, C2, and debrief workflows using established platform patterns and interface contracts, with senior engineers guiding architecture, major interface decisions, and release readiness.
What you'll do:
* Build and test full-stack extensions to Hivemind Commander for mission planning, live C2, and post-mission debrief.
* Develop operator workflows for planning and reviewing missions, visualizing telemetry and platform status, issuing supported commands, and exploring recorded mission data.
* Connect extension interfaces to Commander and ground-service APIs using established contracts; handle live updates, data validation, error states, and operator-visible feedback.
* Implement supporting service endpoints and data flows for mission, command/status, and debrief information, with attention to reliability and traceability of operator actions.
* Add frontend, backend, and integration tests, including representative telemetry playback or simulated operator workflows where appropriate.
* Diagnose extension issues across browser behavior, API responses, service logs, and network connections in representative test environments.
* Collaborate with Commander platform, UX, autonomy, and test teammates to clarify requirements, verify integration points, and support lab or field-test preparation.
* Document extension behavior, test evidence, interface assumptions, and operator-visible limitations.
We are seeking Autonomous Software Engineers for full-time roles starting in 2027! This is a paid, in-person, full-time position for students graduating during the 2026-2027 academic year. We are now reviewing applications for positions starting after graduation in 2027.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, graduating between December 2026 and August 2027.
Typically 2+ years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree, or equivalent work experience; relevant graduate work or substantial project experience may be considered.
Experience building web interfaces with JavaScript or TypeScript and a modern frontend framework, and contributing to backend services or APIs in a production, research, or substantial project setting.
Familiarity with HTTP APIs, asynchronous data flows, and debugging interactions between client and server.
Ability to complete an assigned feature with tests and documentation, communicate risks, and seek guidance on larger design or safety decisions.
Experience extending an existing software platform or building maps/GIS, telemetry visualization, mission-planning interfaces, or playback and debrief tools.
Familiarity with databases, streaming data, containerized services, or networked and distributed systems.
Exposure to unmanned systems, vehicle-control protocols, or C2 interoperability standards.
Experience validating operator workflows in simulation, lab, or field-test environments.
Shield AI builds autonomous aircraft and flight software for military and allied defense customers, with a focus on operations where conventional remote control breaks down. Its Hivemind AI pilot handles decisions during a mission, while the V-BAT aircraft gathers intelligence and locates targets. Aircraft makers use its software tools to develop and test their own autonomy, and its Aechelon business supplies visual and sensor simulation for pilot training. The company earns money from aircraft sales, autonomy software and contracted engineering and operational services. Shield AI was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.
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