Software Simulation Engineer

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.

As a simulation engineer, you will be responsible for improving and scaling our simulation capabilities for the V-BAT and future aircraft. You will build and integrate models across our various engineering teams (e.g. Aerodynamics, GNC, Propulsion, etc.) to enable efficient and scalable simulation workflows. Your simulation solutions will be a key development tool for other engineers and also a critical gate in our release process.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Design, develop, and optimize high-performance simulation frameworks. 
• Implement concurrent programming techniques to ensure efficient utilization of computational resources. 
• Develop inter-process communication mechanisms for seamless data exchange between simulation components. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, autonomy engineers, and aerodynamics engineers, to ensure the simulation accurately reflects real-world conditions. 
• Integrate basic physics principles into simulations to enhance realism and accuracy. 
• Conduct testing and validation of simulation frameworks to ensure performance and reliability. 
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in simulation technologies and apply them to our systems.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Passion for simulation and testing with the goal of ensuring safety and reliability at scale.
• Interest in aerospace and autonomous vehicles. 
• Strong foundation in modern C++, including a deep understanding of memory management, performance optimization, and debugging. 
• Foundational knowledge of statistics and its application in software development, testing, and data analysis.
• Experience building and compiling code in complex software environments, including debugging build errors and managing dependencies. 
• Solid understanding of mathematics (especially linear algebra) and foundational physics, with the ability to interpret technical papers and algorithms effectively. 
• Experience with Linux, git, command line tools, etc. 
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders. 
• You have a demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and/or containerised application development
• Familiarity with rigid body dynamics (e.g. Euler’s equations, quaternions), aerodynamics, propulsion systems, etc. 
• Experience with Python 3 and data science frameworks (e.g. NumPy, Pandas, Dagster) 
• Experience with robotics concepts, including node-based architectures such as ROS or similar middleware frameworks.

Total package details for U.S. based positions:

- Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

- Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days

of employment)

- Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity

Total package details for International positions which are roles based outside of the United States (where applicable):

- International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer

allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.

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.

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.