Manager, Embedded Software (R4755)

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the 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.  Job Description: The VBAT Software team is a motivated group of engineers focused on developing complex avionics software that merges hardware, operating systems and applications for cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). Embedded Software engineers work with customer programs, electrical engineers, Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC) engineers, systems engineers, test engineers and the autonomy team to design and develop software systems which utilize modern aerospace sensors, state-of-the-art UAV avionics, and groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence applications.      As the Embedded Firmware Manager, you will craft, refine, and execute strategies that optimize the avionics software development process for the family of V-BAT aircrafts. Collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team of Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, GNC, and AI engineers you will ensure avionics software is delivered with quality, efficiency, and meets all technical and program requirements. We are looking for a technical expert, passionate about building an avionics software department which establishes the process and engineering rigor to deliver software which is central and critical to the operation of state-of-the art UAV’s. Someone who is not afraid to take charge, make decisions, and do what honor dictates to make things happen. 

What you'll do:

Develop high-quality C/C++ code tailored specifically for V-Bat aircraft, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and safety.  

Develop firmware to control robotic vehicles in flight  

Facilitate the design process for updates to the software system architecture   

Report status, risks, accomplishments, expectations to senior leadership     

Design and implement systems capable of conducting tests across various environments, including virtualized hardware and hardware-in-the-loop simulations, to facilitate thorough evaluation of software functionality and performance.  

Create prototypes to validate critical design concepts and assess technical limitations, providing tangible evidence of feasibility and informing decision-making processes. 

Hire talented embedded software engineers and drive best practices to hold a high bar for technical excellence across the team

Required qualifications:

Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience. 

Rock-solid software development experience in C/C++  

Experience in bare-metal firmware development for embedded systems  

Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed client expectations in a fast-paced environment   

Proactively identify opportunities for improvement within software development projects, demonstrating initiative to propose and implement innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and overall project success and V-Bat reliability

Preferred qualifications:

Experience working on cutting-edge autonomous robotic systems   

Proven background in thriving within fast-paced environments, particularly within startup or R&D settings  

Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and the ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful outcomes.