Engineer I, Software - Autonomous Pilot Integration - New Grad - 6125

Shield AI is hiring an Engineer I, Software - Autonomous Pilot Integration - New Grad - 6125 in Washington DC, United States. It pays $77k-$211k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on Shield AI.

Level's read on this job

On Level's scale, this role is Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
Level classifies it as a junior role.
Level lists 659 other open roles at Shield AI.
The role was posted within the past two weeks.

AI in this role

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.

Overview

The Autonomous Pilot Integration team builds and maintains a reusable core pilot and applies it to real programs and platforms. We combine Hivemind SDK, Perception, and Autonomy Capabilities components into complete mission solutions, adapt them to vehicle and operator interfaces, and validate behavior in simulation, labs, and representative tests. This role contributes to both reusable pilot software and program-specific autonomy applications.

As an entry-level engineer, you will work with experienced engineers on well-defined software, configuration, and test tasks. You will learn how mission behavior, platform control, sensors, and C2 work together without being expected to own an interface, release, or test event independently.

What you'll do:
* Implement C++ changes to program-specific mission behavior, autonomy configuration, diagnostics, or an assigned platform-interface component with guidance.
* Develop and adapt supported pilot behaviors and reference configurations for defined missions or platforms, contributing reusable improvements to the core pilot with guidance.
* Run builds and unit or integration tests; help reproduce issues using simulation, logs, and telemetry.
* Assist with validation of command, status, sensor, and mission data flows in lab or SIL/HIL environments.
* Document setup steps, interface assumptions, test findings, and reproducible failures for the program team.
* Work with the Autonomy Capabilities team on planning and other capability interfaces, and with Integration & Test and platform teams on platform interfaces, compute, and test environments.

We are seeking Autonomous Software Engineers for full-time roles starting in 2027! This is a paid, in-person, full-time position for students graduating during the 2026-2027 academic year. We are now reviewing applications for positions starting after graduation in 2027.

Required Qualifications

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, graduating between December 2026 and August 2027.
Foundational C++ or Python programming demonstrated through coursework, projects, research, internships, or work experience.
Familiarity with Linux, Git, debugging, and basic software-testing practices.
Ability to complete scoped tasks with guidance, communicate progress, and incorporate feedback.
Must be able to work in-person full-time.
Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior internship or co-op experience writing software.
Projects involving autonomy, platform controls, sensors, simulation, or C2 interfaces.
Familiarity with containers, message buses, networking, or hardware-in-the-loop testing.
Interest in hands-on lab work and occasional integration or field-test events.

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.

How we rate this

Engineer I, Software - Autonomous Pilot Integration - New Grad - 6125 at Shield AI rates 31 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Engineer I, Software - Autonomous Pilot Integration - New Grad - 6125 is an open job at Shield AI.
Level rates this role AI Level 1 of 4: Little AI.
The listed salary is $77k-$211k a year.
The role is based in Washington, D.C..
The job was posted on October 27, 2026.
Seniority: junior.
Applications are handled by Shield AI. Apply on Shield AI