Full-Time

Senior Engineering Manager

Autonomy & Perception

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Shield AI

Shield AI

501-1,000 employees

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

AI & Machine Learning
Defense

Compensation Overview

$195.4k - $293kAnnually

Senior

San Diego, CA, USA

Position requires onsite presence in the San Diego metro area.

Category
Engineering Management
Software Development Management
Required Skills
C/C++
Linux/Unix
Requirements
  • 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.
  • Proven experience as a people manager overseeing a team of C++ developers.
  • High proficiency in modern C++ and design patterns with a strong record in a core perception discipline (e.g., state estimation, sensor fusion, object tracking, SLAM) or another autonomy field.
  • Experience across the full lifecycle of perception software development, testing, and deployment to edge computing environments.
  • Familiarity with CI pipelines and automated testing frameworks for C++.
  • Strong proficiency with Linux operating systems.
Responsibilities
  • Manage a team of 5 to 7 autonomy developers, splitting your time equally between leadership and hands-on development.
  • Develop production-quality autonomy software in C++ for deployment on military platforms, ensuring code robustness, efficiency, and scalability.
  • Provide technical leadership in the design and architecture of key perception framework components.
  • Drive product roadmap execution by leading feature decomposition, capacity planning, and agile development processes.
  • Balance rigor and speed in a fast-paced, collaborative, and continuous development environment.

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 defense scenarios, ultimately aiming to protect lives through its innovative technologies.

Company Stage

Debt Financing

Total Funding

$772.8M

Headquarters

San Diego, California

Founded

2015

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

16%

1 year growth

36%

2 year growth

65%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Growing demand for AI-driven defense solutions boosts Shield AI's market potential.
  • The $198 million U.S. Coast Guard contract validates Shield AI's maritime applications.
  • Partnership with JSW Group opens new market opportunities in India's defense sector.

What critics are saying

  • Increased competition from companies like Palantir in AI defense capabilities.
  • Dependence on government contracts may affect revenue stability due to budget changes.
  • Geopolitical risks in partnerships, like with India, may face regulatory challenges.

What makes Shield AI unique

  • Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI Pilot deployed in combat since 2018.
  • The company specializes in AI systems for defense, enhancing military safety and efficiency.
  • Strategic partnerships, like with Palantir, expand Shield AI's command and control capabilities.

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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