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Shield AI · 2 hours ago

Senior Manager, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration (R3774)

Washington, DC

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$229K/yr - $344K/yr

9+ years exp

Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The Senior Manager will lead technical teams in integrating autonomy solutions for unmanned aircraft, ensuring seamless operation and troubleshooting mission-critical issues in both lab and field environments.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Multidisciplinary Team Leadership – Lead teams across autonomy, integration, and testing by aligning technical efforts, resolving cross-functional challenges, and driving mission-focused execution. Balance hands-on technical oversight with performance optimization, innovation, and clear stakeholder communication

System Integration & Deployment — Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces

Pre-flight Preparation — Own the build, configuration, and validation process for flight-ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness

On-site Flight Test Support — Travel to test sites and support live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring-up, and troubleshooting under time-critical constraints

Hardware/Software Debugging — Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy software stacks and embedded systems in lab and field environments

Flight Data Capture & Analysis — Manage data collection during missions and post-test analysis, working with autonomy engineers to refine behaviors and identify improvements

Collaboration Across Teams — Work closely with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure mission-critical functionality is delivered on time and validated thoroughly

Continuous Improvement — Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, flight test reliability, and team efficiency across deployment cycles

Support Certification and Compliance — Assist with documentation and system-level validation required for certification, airworthiness, and compliance in defense-relevant environments

Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 30-40% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events)

Qualification

Unmanned Systems experienceC++PythonLinux-based developmentReal-time operating systemsSensor integrationSimulation toolsAutomation toolsTeam leadershipProblem-solvingCommunication skillsCollaboration

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

7+ years of experience in Unmanned Systems programs in the DoD or applied R&D

2+ years of people leadership experience

Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)

Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics

Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS)

Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises

Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation

Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance

Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment

Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance