Develop and own embedded C/C++ software for UAV avionics, integrating sensors, payloads, firmware, autonomy systems, and ground control stations. Lead software feature development, architecture, reviews, testing, simulation, documentation, and production delivery. Build tools supporting continuous integration, deployment, test execution, and data analysis. Collaborate with cross-functional aerospace teams, improve systems engineering processes, prototype designs, and report project status and risks to leadership.
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 LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
We are seeking for skilled, experienced embedded software engineers with relevant experience in C++ in embedded systems to join our Embedded Software Team focused on developing complex avionics software that merges hardware and embedded applications for cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).
The Embedded Software Engineer works with in a high pace environment with a cross-functional team of program stakeholders, electrical engineers, Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC) engineers, systems engineers, test engineers and the autonomy team, to design and develop software systems which utilize modern aerospace sensors, state-of-the-art UAV avionics.
The Embedded Software Engineer works with in a high pace environment with a cross-functional team of program stakeholders, electrical engineers, Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC) engineers, systems engineers, test engineers and the autonomy team, to design and develop software systems which utilize modern aerospace sensors, state-of-the-art UAV avionics.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
- Develop high-quality C/C++ code tailored specifically for new unmanned aircraft, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and safety.
- Leading cross-functional teams to create systems of software features to implement advanced robotic avionics capabilities.
- Own complex software capabilities from design to production.
- Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews.
- Integrate software from multiple departments to include firmware, software test and verification, Autonomy AI, and Ground Control Stations (GCS)
- Develop software systems to implement and integrate interfaces to modern avionics sensors, sub-systems, and payloads
- Facilitate the design process for updates to the software system architecture
- Use modern software development tools and processes to capture our existing architecture and design future architectures
- Collaborating to define and extend systems engineering processes
- Report status, risks, accomplishments, expectations to senior leadership
- Design and implement systems capable of conducting tests across various environments, including virtualized hardware and hardware-in-the-loop simulations, to facilitate thorough evaluation of software functionality and performance.
- Develop innovative tools to enhance the frequency and reliability of software deployment, test execution, and data analysis within a continuous integration and release system, fostering improved efficiency and productivity in software development workflows.
- Create prototypes to validate critical design concepts and assess technical limitations, providing tangible evidence of feasibility and informing decision-making processes.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong embedded software development experience in C/C++.
- Strong understanding of Oriented Object Programming and modern C++ features.
- Strong knowledge of embedded software, BSPs or other systems software components.
- Strong understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, and network protocols fundamentals.
- Demonstrated track record of assuming ownership over development processes and features and delivering outstanding outcomes.
- Experience producing high-quality technical documentation, including architecture, detailed designs, and test plans.
- Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed client expectations in a fast-paced environment
- Proactively identify opportunities for improvement within software development projects, demonstrating initiative to propose and implement innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and overall project success and X-Bat reliability
- B.S., M.S, PhD degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline, such as Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proven background in thriving within fast-paced environments, within startup or R&D settings.
- Proven experience in development of military aircrafts.
- Compliance with DO-178C
- Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and the ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful outcomes.
- Familiar with FPGA development using SystemVerilog.
- Real Time Operating System (RTOS) experience.
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
###
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Similar Jobs at Shield AI
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
Designs and leads safety- and mission-critical real-time software architecture for autonomous aircraft mission systems. Responsibilities include defining interfaces, middleware, operating-system integration, distributed processing, resource budgets, and deterministic performance; integrating sensors, navigation, communications, autonomy, and effectors; establishing resilience, cybersecurity, and verification strategies; and supporting development through design reviews, laboratory and flight testing, deployment, and lifecycle modernization.
Top Skills:
A-GraAms-GraArp4754ACC++Cpu/Gpu/Fpga AcceleratorsData DistributionDo-178CDo-254Embedded Operating SystemsFaceHardware Abstraction LayersHilInstrumentationInterprocess CommunicationMiddlewareNetwork CapturesNetworkingOmsProfilingRtosRustSilSimulation SystemsTelemetryUci
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
Leads operational analysis, modeling, simulation, and wargaming for autonomous aircraft systems. Evaluates mission effectiveness, survivability, sensor performance, autonomy, and force-on-force engagements in contested environments. Partners with engineering teams, defense stakeholders, operators, and warfighters to inform design decisions, CONOPS, trade studies, and system improvements. Presents technical findings and recommendations to senior leadership, customers, and government agencies.
Top Skills:
AfsimMatlabPythonStk
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
Develops and deploys real-time state estimation and sensor-fusion algorithms for Ranger autonomous systems. Processes IMU, radar, camera, GPS, and other sensor data; builds real-time pipelines; optimizes algorithms for constrained hardware; collaborates with software, autonomy, and hardware teams; and validates solutions through experiments and field testing.
Top Skills:
C++CamerasComputer VisionCudaFpgaGpsImusInertial NavigationKalman FiltersLinuxParticle FiltersRadar
What you need to know about the Seattle Tech Scene
Home to tech titans like Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle punches far above its weight in innovation. But its surrounding mountains, sprinkled with world-famous hiking trails and climbing routes, make the city a destination for outdoorsy types as well. Established as a logging town before shifting to shipbuilding and logistics, the Emerald City is now known for its contributions to aerospace, software, biotech and cloud computing. And its status as a thriving tech ecosystem is attracting out-of-town companies looking to establish new tech and engineering hubs.
Key Facts About Seattle Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 287,000; 13% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software, biotechnology, game development
- Funding Landscape: $3.1 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Madrona, Fuse, Tola, Maveron
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle Children’s Research Institute

