Job Details

Senior Software Engineer - Ground Control Station (GCS)

Company: Shield AI

Location: San Diego, Dallas, Washington D.C., or remote

Salary: $128,045 - $192,067

About Shield AI

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense tech company creating AI pilots for autonomous aircraft, including F-16, V-BAT, and Nova. Our mission-focused AI systems protect service members and civilians, with our Hivemind AI actively deployed in operational environments worldwide.

Why Join Us?

• Work on cutting-edge AI systems for autonomous aircraft.
• Build software that operators use directly in the field.
• Collaborate with top engineers in autonomy, embedded systems, and UX.
• Be part of a fast-paced, mission-driven environment that values innovation and impact.

Role Overview

We're seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join our Ground Control Station (GCS) team. You'll design, build, and deploy real-time, performance-critical software powering mission planning, control, and telemetry visualization for autonomous UAS platforms. This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy complex, cross-disciplinary work and seeing their solutions used in real-world missions.

What You'll Do

• Design, implement, and validate new GCS features from concept to field deployment.
• Develop low-latency software for planning, control, and telemetry visualization.
• Build responsive, operator-focused UIs using React and TypeScript integrated with Node.js or C++ services.
• Collaborate with autonomy, embedded, UX, and test teams to refine requirements.
• Gather operator feedback and ensure real-world mission reliability.
• Participate in system architecture reviews, testing, and performance optimization.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to code/design reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's + 5 yrs, Master's + 4 yrs, or PhD + 2 yrs experience.
• Experience with real-time or performance-critical systems (UAVs, robotics, autonomous vehicles, simulators).
• Proficiency in TypeScript/JavaScript, Java, C#, C++, or Rust.
• Familiarity with React, HTML, CSS, Node.js.
• Strong knowledge of real-time communication protocols (WebSocket, UDP, telemetry formats).
• Track record of delivering reliable software in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mission planning, GCS, or real-time visualization tools.
• Knowledge of STANAG 4586, CoT, or MAVLink.
• Experience with distributed systems or cloud-based telemetry pipelines.
• Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, and cybersecurity concepts in mission-critical systems.

Perks & Benefits

• Work with a mission-driven team making a real-world impact.
• Opportunity to innovate with cutting-edge AI and autonomous systems.
• Collaborative, high-performing culture with mentorship opportunities.

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