Design, build, and scale high-performance deterministic aircraft subsystem models and simulation infrastructure in C++. Implement tests, V&V, and faster-than-real-time simulation tools. Collaborate with autonomy, embedded, GNC, and test teams, perform system performance analysis, and produce reports and visualizations to support aircraft development and automated flight qualification.
Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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.
The Aircraft Simulation team turns frontier autonomy into mission-ready aircraft. We own the commit-to-flight pipeline—deterministic aircraft and mission simulation, HITL/SITL integration, CI/CD, and tooling for automated flight qualification testing. Our goal is simple: make AI fly—safely, reliably, and fast.
As a Staff Modeling & Simulation Engineer, you will be dedicated to Shield AI’s next-generation aircraft program, contributing to our emergent modeling & simulation tooling. You’ll design, build, and scale novel aircraft subsystem models, develop infrastructure that enables robust automated testing for our next generation XBAT product line, and conduct system performance analysis.
What you'll do:
- Develop models and infrastructure for the integrated simulation pipeline in C++.
- Design deterministic, high-performance simulation tools capable of faster-than-real-time execution for development, testing, and release.
- Implement test scenarios and write unit, system, and regression tests.
- Collaborate across autonomy, embedded, GNC, and test engineering to ensure the simulation mirrors real aircraft behavior and mission scenarios.
- Contribute to platform-agnostic simulation tooling to accelerate current and future aircraft design and development efforts.
- Perform verification and validation (V&V) analysis activities on modeling tools.
- Conduct system performance analysis and generate reports and visualizations.
- Utilize best practices in C++, simulation architecture, and performance engineering.
Required qualifications:
- BS or MS in Computer Science, Aerospace, Robotics, or related field.
- 7+ years of experience in simulation software development, with emphasis on modern C++ (C++17 or later) and performance optimization.
- Strong understanding of rigid-body dynamics, kinematics, aerodynamics, and sensor mechanics.
- Proven experience developing or integrating simulation systems for robotics, aerospace, and/or autonomous systems.
- Ability to debug complex build and runtime environments (CMake, package management, logging, and profiling tools).
- Experience with software testing tools (GTest, etc.)
- Experience with simulation V&V.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills across software, hardware, and systems disciplines.
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
- Grasp of real-time and deterministic software design, including multi-threading, synchronization, and memory management.
- Experience with DevOps-integrated simulation workflows, including CI/CD and automated hardware testing environments.
- Working knowledge of Python for data analysis, test automation, or simulation orchestration.
- Familiarity with aircraft and flight physics modeling.
#LI-SM1
#LD
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.
Similar Jobs at Shield AI
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead technical capture and pre-sales for the X-BAT aircraft in US markets, translating operational requirements into compliant proposals, supporting GTM engagements, liaising between BD and engineering, producing technical collateral, and mentoring BD teams to drive sales of Shield AI aircraft and integrated solutions.
Top Skills:
AcaCcaGroup 4 UasGroup 5 UasHivemindMission Systems IntegrationV-BatX-Bat
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Design, build, and automate electrical test systems and fixtures for UAV subsystems. Develop PCBs, integrate relays/PLCs/PCBAs, run environmental tests (HASS/ESS/HALT), automate test sequences in Python, and collaborate across disciplines to improve testability and reliability.
Top Skills:
AltiumCatiaEagleEssHaltHassKicadNxPcb DesignPcbasPlcsPower ElectronicsPythonRf CommunicationsSolidworks
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead design, validation, and deployment of advanced electrical hardware test systems for UAVs. Architect PCBs and test interfaces for power electronics, RF, and communications; develop automated Python test sequences; design test fixtures and integrate PLCs, relays, and harnessing; run HASS/ESS/HALT; drive DFT reviews; and mentor junior engineers.
Top Skills:
AltiumCatiaCommunicationsEagleEssHaltHassKicadNxPcbPcbaPlcPower ElectronicsPythonRelaysRfSolidworksTest Automation
What you need to know about the Austin Tech Scene
Austin has a diverse and thriving tech ecosystem thanks to home-grown companies like Dell and major campuses for IBM, AMD and Apple. The state’s flagship university, the University of Texas at Austin, is known for its engineering school, and the city is known for its annual South by Southwest tech and media conference. Austin’s tech scene spans many verticals, but it’s particularly known for hardware, including semiconductors, as well as AI, biotechnology and cloud computing. And its food and music scene, low taxes and favorable climate has made the city a destination for tech workers from across the country.
Key Facts About Austin Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 180,500; 13.7% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Dell, IBM, AMD, Apple, Alphabet
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, hardware, cloud computing, software, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.5 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Live Oak Ventures, Austin Ventures, Hinge Capital, Gigafund, KdT Ventures, Next Coast Ventures, Silverton Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Texas, Southwestern University, Texas State University, Center for Complex Quantum Systems, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Texas Advanced Computing Center
