Autonomy Integration Engineer

Job summary
Permanent contract
London
Salary: Not specified
Experience: > 5 years
Skills & expertise
Continuous improvement
Automation tools
Collaboration and teamwork
Problem-solving skills
C++
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Shield AI
Shield AI

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Questions and answers about the job

The position

Job description

  • This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on solving complex integration challenges that span hardware, software, and systems engineering
  • A successful candidate will be skilled at deploying autonomy solutions onto unmanned platforms, preparing systems for flight, and troubleshooting mission-critical issues in both lab and field environments
  • The role is highly dynamic, requiring hands-on experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, real-world test conditions
  • Our Flight Integration Engineers are essential to bridging the gap between R&D and deployment, ensuring that autonomous systems function reliably and effectively when and where they are needed most
  • 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)

Benefits

  • Excellent Medical Coverage
  • Mental Health Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Pet Insurance
  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Onsite Gym (DC)
  • Gym Discount (San Diego)
  • Free Parking
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Stock Benefits
  • 401K Services and Match

Preferred experience

  • Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
  • Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS)
  • Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises
  • Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
  • Experience with simulation tools and environments for testing and validation
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance
  • Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns
  • Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines
  • Competence in sensor integration, electronics debugging, or avionics bring-up
  • Experience with UCI and OMS Standards
  • Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing
  • Comfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews

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