Senior Autonomy Integration Engineer

Senior Autonomy Integration Engineer

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft and support live flight operations.
  • Company: Join Shield AI, a cutting-edge defence-tech company on a mission to protect lives.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a comprehensive rewards package.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with 30-40% travel and excellent career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while solving complex engineering challenges.
  • Qualifications: 7+ years experience in engineering, proficiency in C++ and Python, and strong problem-solving skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

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 Linked In, X, Instagram, and You Tube.

This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on solving complex integration challenges that span hardware, software, and systems engineering.

A successful candidate will be skilled at deploying autonomy solutions onto unmanned platforms, preparing systems for flight, and troubleshooting mission-critical issues in both lab and field environments.

The role is highly dynamic, requiring hands‑on experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, real‑world test conditions.

Our Flight Integration Engineers are essential to bridging the gap between R&D and deployment, ensuring that autonomous systems function reliably and effectively when and where they are needed most.

System Integration & Deployment

— Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.

Pre-flight Preparation

— Own the build, configuration, and validation process for flight‑ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness.

On‑site Flight Test Support

— Travel to test sites and support live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring‑up, and troubleshooting under time‑critical constraints.

Hardware/Software Debugging

— Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy software stacks and embedded systems in lab and field environments.

Flight Data Capture & Analysis

— Manage data collection during missions and post‑test analysis, working with autonomy engineers to refine behaviors and identify improvements.

Collaboration Across Teams

— Work closely with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure mission‑critical functionality is delivered on time and validated thoroughly.

Continuous Improvement

— Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, flight test reliability, and team efficiency across deployment cycles.

Support Certification and Compliance

— Assist with documentation and system‑level validation required for certification, airworthiness, and compliance in defense‑relevant environments.

  • Travel Requirement
  • Members of this team typically travel around 30-40% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events).
  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a Ph D; or equivalent work experience.
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
  • Proficiency in Linux‑based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
  • Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e. g., ROS, DDS).
  • Hands‑on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises.
  • Experience with simulation tools and environments for testing and validation.
  • Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
  • Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns.
  • Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines.
  • Competence in sensor integration, electronics debugging, or avionics bring‑up.
  • Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing.
  • Comfortable interfacing with Do D stakeholders during field events or technical reviews.
  • Experience with UCI and OMS Standards.

Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location.

For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.

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Senior Autonomy Integration Engineer employer: shieldai

At Shieldai, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Greater London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages leadership development. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team where your contributions directly impact cutting-edge technology and client success.

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Contact Details:

shieldai Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Autonomy Integration Engineer

Join Aerospace Forums and Groups

Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.

Attend Industry Conferences

Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.

Spotlight Your Projects

Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!

Apply Directly on Company Websites

When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with shieldai for a Senior Autonomy Integration Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Autonomy Integration Engineer

Systems Engineering
Autonomy Software Integration
Flight Preparation and Validation
Hardware/Software Debugging
Data Capture and Analysis
Collaboration Across Teams
Continuous Improvement Processes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at shieldai, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!

Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.

Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At shieldai, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.

Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.

How to prepare for a job interview at shieldai

Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge

Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with shieldai.

Showcase Your Projects with Confidence

Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.

Prepare for Technical Interviews

Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with shieldai. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.

Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills

As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like shieldai love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.