Location
San Diego, California, United States
San Diego, California, United States
Salary
(Yearly)
(Yearly)
(Yearly)
(Yearly)
(Hourly)
Undisclosed
$183,600 – $275,400
Date posted
September 5, 2026
Job type
Full-time
Experience level
Senior Staff Engineer 5+ years
Summary this job with AI
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Job Description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedInXInstagram, and YouTube. 
This position is ideal for a C++ generalist who thrives on tackling complex challenges in systems and systems integration. If you enjoy building cross-language software, improving CI/CD pipelines, and integrating distributed real-time systems, you’ll find this role rewarding. Join a team that’s driving innovation through robust software engineering and practical integration work across simulation environments, third-party systems, and development workflows.

What You'll Do:

    • Design, implement, and maintain C++ and Python software in support of complex, cross-platform systems.
    • Contribute to system architecture with a focus on performance, maintainability, and integration.
    • Develop and support APIs and messaging interfaces (e.g., gRPC, REST, ZeroMQ).
    • Integrate third-party software and hardware systems, including real-time and simulation tools.
    • Debug and support distributed systems, with attention to threading, timing, and data flow.
    • Apply modern agile practices such as test-driven development, continuous integration, and automated testing.
    • Improve and maintain CI/CD workflows using tools like GitLab CI, Docker, CMake, and Conan.
    • Collaborate across teams and projects to share solutions and promote good software practices.
    • Continuously learn and adapt to new tools, standards, and technologies.

Required Qualifications:

  • Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 4 years and a Master’s degree; or 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
  • Strong proficiency in modern C++ (C++14/17/20) with the ability to work effectively in legacy codebases (C++98/03).
  • Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments, including system-level development and debugging tools.
  • Experience with Python.
  • Professional experience in Linux environments (Windows experience is a bonus).
  • Solid understanding of system-level engineering and design patterns.
  • Experience in a collaborative environment with CI/CD and test automation.
  • Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker.
  • Active SECRET clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience integrating distributed simulation environments such as AFSIM or NGTS.
  • Familiarity with open standards like UCI and OMS, and an understanding of data buses and interface protocols common in avionics and aircraft systems.
  • Familiarity with simulation tools and modeling frameworks.
  • Experience with networking concepts and messaging infrastructure.
  • Hands-on experience with CMake, Conan, and GitLab CI/CD pipelines.
  • Exposure to real-time systems and hardware/software integration.
  • Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.
Apply now
Shield AI is hiring a Senior Staff Engineer, Systems Integration (R5415). Apply through The AI Chopping Block and and make the next move in your career!
Apply now

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