Senior Staff Engineer, C++ Modeling & Simulation Engineer (R3278)

About Shield AI

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms, enabling complex missions with high reliability in contested environments. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and internationally, Shield AI’s products actively support U.S. and allied operations worldwide.

For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn,Twitter, and Instagram.

This position is perfect for a seasoned C++ engineer with advanced expertise in modeling and simulation, systems, and systems integration. As a key leader, you will tackle the most challenging and complex projects with minimal oversight, driving impactful results in collaboration with a dynamic and skilled team. You will develop simulation solutions to drive autonomy development on high impact projects. This is an opportunity to shape innovative solutions, integrating third-party systems and simulation environments, and advancing cutting-edge technologies. 

What You'll Do:

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of high-performance C++ software for complex systems. 
• Architect robust, scalable simulation solutions for systems of systems and real-time processing. 
• Drive the integration of third-party software and hardware systems into comprehensive architectures. 
• Set technical standards and mentor other engineers to promote excellence and best practices. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project alignment and successful delivery. 
• Implement modern agile software development practices, including continuous integration and test-driven development. 
• Tackle complex debugging and optimization challenges to enhance system performance. 
• Explore and adopt new technologies to stay at the forefront of the field. 
• Drive task decomposition for teams and individuals 

Required Qualifications:

• 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
• Advanced professional experience in software engineering and systems integration 
• Familiarity with design patterns and system-level engineering principles
• Extensive experience in C++ using modern C++ (C++17/20) while possessing a solid understanding of older standards (C++98/03) for adapting to legacy code and systems seamlessly
• Experience in Python
• Experience with AFSIM or NGTS
• Real-time and distributed simulation experience
• Programming experience in a Linux environment (Windows experience is a bonus)
• Expertise with Docker or other containerization mechanisms
• Demonstrated success leading projects with 10+ contributors
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, with a fast, efficient, and effective approach
• Deep understanding of design patterns and system architecture principles
• Experience in a collaborative development environment, focused on continuous integration/delivery and test-driven development
• Passion for learning and implementing new technologies 
• Demonstrated experience being a trustworthy teammate 
• Demonstrated kindness to teammates 
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS or greater in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience. 
• Proficiency in Python
• Advanced knowledge of third-party system integration (software and hardware). 
• Active SECRET clearance
• Experience with plugin development in DOD simulations such as AFSIM and NGTS 
• Experience with web-service technologies like gRPC, REST APIs, message queues (ActiveMQ, ZeroMQ), etc.
• Familiarity with C++ tooling like CMake and Conan
• Experience with UCI and OMS Standards

What We Value:

• Strong leadership and mentorship capabilities
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills
• Dedication to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions
• A collaborative and supportive team-oriented mindset

 

This role is for individuals ready to lead with impact, taking ownership of their work and inspiring their teams to deliver outstanding results in an agile and forward-thinking environment

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.

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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.