This listing pays about $265,000 a year. Across 46 open senior staff engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $219,500 to $265,000 and the median is $240,000. That is inside the middle half of those listings, 10% above the median.

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About the job

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.

This position is ideal for a C++ generalist who thrives on tackling complex challenges in systems and systems integration. If you enjoy building cross-language software, improving CI/CD pipelines, and integrating distributed real-time systems, you’ll find this role rewarding. Join a team that’s driving innovation through robust software engineering and practical integration work across simulation environments, third-party systems, and development workflows.

What You'll Do:

Design, implement, and maintain C++ and Python software in support of complex, cross-platform systems.

Contribute to system architecture with a focus on performance, maintainability, and integration.

Develop and support APIs and messaging interfaces (e.g., gRPC, REST, ZeroMQ).

Integrate third-party software and hardware systems, including real-time and simulation tools.

Debug and support distributed systems, with attention to threading, timing, and data flow.

Apply modern agile practices such as test-driven development, continuous integration, and automated testing.

Improve and maintain CI/CD workflows using tools like GitLab CI, Docker, CMake, and Conan.

Collaborate across teams and projects to share solutions and promote good software practices.

Continuously learn and adapt to new tools, standards, and technologies.

Required Qualifications:

Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 4 years and a Master’s degree; or 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.

Strong proficiency in modern C++ (C++14/17/20) with the ability to work effectively in legacy codebases (C++98/03).

Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments, including system-level development and debugging tools.

Experience with Python.

Professional experience in Linux environments (Windows experience is a bonus).

Solid understanding of system-level engineering and design patterns.

Experience in a collaborative environment with CI/CD and test automation.

Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker.

Active SECRET clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience integrating distributed simulation environments such as AFSIM or NGTS.

Familiarity with open standards like UCI and OMS, and an understanding of data buses and interface protocols common in avionics and aircraft systems.

Familiarity with simulation tools and modeling frameworks.

Experience with networking concepts and messaging infrastructure.

Hands-on experience with CMake, Conan, and GitLab CI/CD pipelines.

Exposure to real-time systems and hardware/software integration.

Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

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.