Full-Time
Staff Engineer
Software Perception
Shield AI
501-1,000 employees
Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense
Compensation Overview
$180k - $270k/yr
Senior
Washington, DC, USA
In Person
US Top Secret Clearance Required
- 5+ years of experience in modern C++ (C++11 or later) in a Linux environment
- Demonstrated experience architecting and implementing real-time video/image processing pipelines
- Strong understanding of multithreading, memory management, and performance optimization
- Experience with GPU programming (e.g., CUDA, OpenGL) in production environments
- Proficiency in setting up and maintaining CI/CD workflows for C++ projects
- Strong background in C++ package management (preferably Conan) and deployment automation
- Experience working with or developing under DO-178C or similar safety-critical software standards
- Experience building software that runs on both x86 and ARM architectures
- Track record of mentoring team members and scaling engineering best practices
- Design, implement, and maintain modular video processing pipelines in modern C++ for edge-deployable perception systems
- Develop both CPU-only and GPU-accelerated variants using technologies like CUDA, OpenGL, and multi-threaded processing
- Drive SDK architecture and tooling used by perception, autonomy, and integration teams
- Lead efforts in C++ package management ensuring reliable versioning, dependency resolution, and deployment workflows
- Guide the team in achieving cross-platform compatibility, particularly across x86 and ARM targets
- Set standards and best practices for CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and deployment
- Take ownership of resolving complex integration and deployment issues across our codebase
- Contribute to or guide compliance with DO-178C or similar standards for safety- or flight-critical software
- Mentor engineers and promote a strong culture of code quality, architectural rigor, and maintainability
- Evaluate and integrate new tools and technologies to continuously improve our development and deployment pipelines
- Experience deploying C++ perception software to embedded or airborne platforms
- Familiarity with GStreamer or OpenCV for media handling and image pipelines
- Prior work on high-reliability autonomy, aerospace, or robotics platforms
Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems for the defense industry. The company develops AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communications are unavailable. This technology enhances safety and efficiency in 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 validates its capabilities. The company's goal is to protect lives through innovative technology while expanding its influence in the defense sector.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Late Stage VC
Total Funding
$1.3B
Headquarters
San Diego, California
Founded
2015
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- $1 billion Series F funding highlights strong investor confidence in Shield AI's growth.
- Partnerships with Airbus and RTX expand Shield AI's reach in defense technology.
- Expansion into the Asia-Pacific market taps into growing demand for advanced military tech.
What critics are saying
- V-BAT drone accident in April 2024 raises safety and regulatory concerns.
- Missed financial targets for 2024 and 2025 indicate potential financial instability.
- Dependence on large government contracts could impact revenue if agreements change.
What makes Shield AI unique
- Hivemind is the first autonomous AI Pilot deployed in combat since 2018.
- Shield AI's systems operate in GPS and communication-denied environments, enhancing mission success.
- Strategic acquisitions like Martin UAV bolster Shield AI's technological capabilities and market position.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
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
↓ -2%1 year growth
↑ 0%2 year growth
↓ -4%RTX and Shield AI join forces to develop autonomous defense technologies.
Shield AI opens new office in Melbourne.
Shield AI, co-founded by a Navy SEAL vet, has developed an advanced autonomous pilot and raised $240 million to expand globally. Founded in 2015, the company aims for a world without war, emphasizing "Autonomy for the world. The greatest victory requires no war." The company was initially supported by a major investor who played a significant role in its early development.
Shield AI has raised $200 million to advance the development of its AI pilot technology. The company, known for its mission-driven approach, creates autonomous devices and aircraft used in combat zones and critical missions. Founded by brothers inspired to use technology for safer information gathering, Shield AI's innovations are deployed by various nations, including current operations in Gaza.
Shield AI remains on an expansion path despite safety and tariff concerns, according to CFO Kingsley Afemikhe. The company faced scrutiny after a V-BAT drone accident in April 2024, delaying profitability and customer acquisition. Shield AI missed 2024 and 2025 financial targets and won't be profitable this year. The company raised $240 million in March to expand its Hivemind software and signed $100 million in European contracts, pursuing $1.8 billion in potential deals.