Role details
Job description
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.
What you'll do
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Design, implement, test, and ship C++ and/or Python features, tools, and tests alongside experienced engineers.
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Write embedded firmware in C/C++ for real-time software that controls our advanced UAV while in flight.
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Develop tests, reporters, and tooling in Python to validate software behavior and performance.
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Develop and evaluate autonomy software across areas such as mission behavior, planning, multi-agent coordination, decision-making, platform integration, or perception (object detection, tracking, sensor fusion, localization, situational awareness, or AI/ML-enabled workflows).
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Build unit and integration tests, run and analyze simulation or bench results, and investigate failures using logs, telemetry, traces, and debugging tools.
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Support software integration across autonomy capabilities, platform/vehicle interfaces, sensors, perception products, mission compute, and operator or command-and-control (C2) systems, including simulation, software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and bench testing.
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Work with real and simulated data from cameras, EO/IR sensors, IMUs, GPS, radars, or other mission payloads.
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Work cross-functionally with electrical and mechanical engineers to help determine and validate software requirements.
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Write documentation for setup steps, interface assumptions, configuration, test procedures, and findings to make workflows repeatable.
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Participate in code reviews, design discussions, and test debriefs, and take on more ownership of features and fixes over time.
Required Qualifications
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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.
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Proficiency in C++ and/or Python.
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Solid foundation in data structures, algorithms, and software fundamentals.
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Ability to own well-scoped tasks with limited guidance and communicate progress clearly.
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Must be able to work in-person full-time.
Preferred Qualifications
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Hands-on project experience (competition team, research lab, capstone, or personal projects) involving robotics, controls, planning, computer vision, or machine learning.
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Prior internship or co-op experience writing software.
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Familiarity with simulation tools, ROS/ROS2, or hardware-in-the-loop/software-in-the-loop testing.
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Experience with sensor data (cameras, EO/IR, IMU, GPS, radar) or multimodal AI/ML data (vision-language or vision-language-action models).
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Experience writing unit/integration tests and debugging using logs or telemetry.
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Comfortable working in a Linux environment and using version control (e.g., Git).
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Exposure to embedded systems, real-time software, or safety-critical software practices.
Role context
This Software Development Engineer - New Graduate role at Shield AI sits in the engineering track within defense and autonomy. The position is tied to San Diego, California, United States and is posted 3 days ago, which signals active hiring intent rather than archived demand. Compensation is not disclosed in the source listing, so candidates should verify range details directly with the employer. Combined with the live company and role links on this page, this listing gives candidates a direct path to compare equivalent openings by employer, market, and role focus.
Ready for the next step?
Apply directly with Shield Ai
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Location
Map preview
San Diego, California, United States
Location
San Diego, California, United States
Approximate role location based on the employer listing.
San Diego, California, United States
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