Asks for

The ad says“Serve as a subject matter expert in modern aerospace and software engineering”
The ad says“Develop infrastructure and models in C++ for autonomous aircraft simulation”
The ad says“Familiarity with modern C++ standards (C++20 or later)”
The ad says“Experience with DevOps-integrated simulation workflows, including CI/CD and automated testing environments”
The ad says“Experience with CMake, package management tools (e.g. Conan, Nix), and profiling tools”
The ad says“Experience with CMake, package management tools (e.g. Conan, Nix), and profiling tools”
The ad says“Experience with software testing tools (GTest, etc.)”
The ad says“Strong understanding of rigid-body dynamics, kinematics, and the physics of dynamic systems”
The ad says“Grasp of real-time and deterministic software design, including multi-threading, synchronization, and memory management”
The ad says“Grasp of real-time and deterministic software design, including multi-threading, synchronization, and memory management”
The ad says“Experience with CMake, package management tools (e.g. Conan, Nix), and profiling tools”
The ad says“Strong understanding of rigid-body dynamics, kinematics, and the physics of dynamic systems”
The ad says“Working knowledge of Python for data analysis, test automation, or simulation orchestration”
The ad says“Strong understanding of rigid-body dynamics, kinematics, and the physics of dynamic systems”
The ad says“Proven experience developing or integrating simulation systems for robotics, aerospace, and/or other complex dynamic systems (e.g., maritime, space, defense ground systems, or gaming)”
The ad says“Serve as a subject matter expert in modern aerospace and software engineering”
The ad says“Grasp of real-time and deterministic software design, including multi-threading, synchronization, and memory management”
The ad says“Lead verification and validation (V&V) analysis studies on models and model tooling”

The Aircraft Simulation team is the nerve center of autonomy integration at Shield AI. We deploy the innovative tools, intelligent models, and streamlined processes that make it possible to evaluate complex autonomous flight algorithms at scale
Our tools are utilized in a broad range of simulation—from mission autonomy simulation to Hardware-in-the-loop, and every layer between. In an era of rapid advancement in Artificial Intelligence, our goal is simple: make AI fly—safely, reliably, and fast
As a Staff Modeling & Simulation Engineer, you will be a pivotal force in engineering Shield AI’s foundational simulation platform for our next-generation VTOL aircraft
You’ll develop our emerging simulation engine and deploy advanced aircraft models in C++ across multiple engineering domains—ranging from mathematical physics to the latest in surrogate machine learning methods
You will also utilize your multiphysics and aeronautical systems knowledge to conduct system performance analysis against test and vendor data to ensure simulation results are valid in operational scenarios, and simulation platforms are both stable and fast
Develop infrastructure and models in C++ for autonomous aircraft simulation
Serve as a subject matter expert in modern aerospace and software engineering
Architect deterministic, high-performance simulation software
Lead verification and validation (V&V) analysis studies on models and model tooling
Collaborate tightly across autonomy, embedded, GNC, and test engineering teams to ensure our simulation mirrors real aircraft behavior and mission scenarios
Contribute to platform-agnostic simulation tooling to accelerate future development efforts
Train and guide junior engineers in modeling and simulation best practices

Benefits

Excellent Medical Coverage
Mental Health Employee Assistance Program
Paid Parental Leave
Pet Insurance
Flexible Work Hours
Onsite Gym (DC)
Gym Discount (San Diego)
Free Parking
Competitive Compensation
Stock Benefits
401K Services and Match

Preferred experience

Strong communication skills across software, hardware, and systems disciplines
BS in Computer Science, Aerospace, Robotics, or related field
Must be eligible to obtain a Secret Clearance; Secret clearance eligibility requires US Citizenship
Proven experience developing or integrating simulation systems for robotics, aerospace, and/or other complex dynamic systems (e.g., maritime, space, defense ground systems, or gaming)
Strong understanding of rigid-body dynamics, kinematics, and the physics of dynamic systems
Experience with simulation verification and validation
Ability to debug complex build and runtime environments
7+ years of experience in simulation software development with C++ competency; exceptional candidates with less experience and demonstrated depth will be considered
MS or PhD in Computer Science, Aerospace, Robotics, or related field
Familiarity with modern C++ standards (C++20 or later)
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 testing environments
Experience with CMake, package management tools (e.g. Conan, Nix), and profiling tools
Experience with Hardware- and Software-in-the-Loop simulation environments, including integration of real hardware into simulation environments
Working knowledge of Python for data analysis, test automation, or simulation orchestration
Experience with software testing tools (GTest, etc.)
Experience working on autonomous aircraft systems
Active Secret or Top Secret Clearance is desired