Senior Principal Autonomy Engineer

Shield AI

. Define the technical vision, architecture, and development roadmap for autonomy capabilities combining RF sensing, perception, state estimation, sensor fusion, decision logic, guidance, navigation, and vehicle control .

Posted 10/3/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSenior💰 $330,000 - $500,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in defining technical vision and architecture for autonomy capabilities, with a strong focus on RF sensing, signal processing, and algorithm development. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and mentor engineers while ensuring compliance with performance and verification standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Technical LeadershipRF Signal ProcessingAlgorithm DevelopmentCross-Functional IntegrationEnd-to-End Simulation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

MATLABPythonCC++DSPSignal Processing AlgorithmsSensor FusionGuidance and NavigationPerformance AssessmentWaveform Design

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsMentoring EngineersInfluencing Stakeholders

Tools & Technologies

Simulation ToolsModeling ToolsVerification ToolsEmbedded Computing

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Government Security ClearanceMaster’s Degree or PhD (Preferred)Active U.S. Secret Clearance (Preferred)

Industry Keywords

AutonomyRadarRF SensingAerospace SystemsRoboticsElectronic WarfareDefense SystemsComplex Technical Fields

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define the technical vision, architecture, and development roadmap for autonomy capabilities combining RF sensing, perception, state estimation, sensor fusion, decision logic, guidance, navigation, and vehicle control
Lead development and maturation of advanced radar and RF signal processing algorithms
Serve as senior technical authority for autonomy and RF system performance
Lead trade studies, requirements decisions, architecture reviews, algorithm reviews, and technical risk resolution
Establish and govern end-to-end simulation, modeling, and verification approaches
Lead cross-functional integration across autonomy, software, RF hardware, avionics, embedded computing, vehicle systems, flight sciences, systems engineering, test, and manufacturing
Translate mission and vehicle needs into technical requirements, performance budgets, interface definitions, algorithm specifications, verification plans, and success criteria
Guide real-time algorithm implementation in MATLAB, Python, C, C++, and DSP environments
Lead technical engagement with customers, partners, suppliers, and executive stakeholders
Mentor engineers, establish technical standards, recruit specialized talent, and improve algorithm development, systems engineering, modeling, verification, and test practices
Influence investment decisions, technical proposals, and growth initiatives
Define differentiated autonomy and RF capabilities and support customer-facing technical engagements

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
15 or more years of professional experience in autonomy, radar, RF sensing, signal processing, guidance and navigation, sensor fusion, aerospace systems, robotics, or related complex technical fields
Demonstrated technical leadership for architecture, development, integration, and fielding of advanced autonomous, RF sensing, radar, electronic warfare, avionics, aerospace, or defense systems
Expert knowledge of radar and RF signal processing, including waveform design, adaptive processing, beamforming, direction finding, target detection and tracking, clutter modeling, interference mitigation, and performance assessment
Experience developing and validating algorithms through high fidelity end-to-end simulation, including sensor models, RF environmental models, vehicle dynamics, 6 degree of freedom simulation, and operationally representative scenarios
Experience translating mission needs into system and subsystem requirements, performance allocations, interface definitions, algorithm specifications, verification plans, and test objectives
Substantial hands-on experience with MATLAB and Python, plus experience developing or transitioning algorithms into C, C++, real-time DSP, embedded computing, or hardware-accelerated environments
Experience leading technical teams, mentoring engineers, driving design reviews, and resolving complex cross-functional technical issues
Strong communication skills and ability to influence senior technical leaders, program leaders, external customers, and executive stakeholders
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
Preferred: Master’s degree or PhD in a related technical field
Preferred: Active U.S. Secret or higher security clearance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Bonus
Benefits
Equity
Temporary benefits package applicable after 60 days of employment for temporary employees
Full-time employees receive benefits
Equal employment opportunity and disability accommodations