Leads architecture, development, integration, and operationalization of high-performance real-time and distributed simulation systems for autonomous uncrewed aircraft. Builds C++ and Python simulation software, integrates defense simulation frameworks, deploys containerized environments, and supports CI/CD, testing, autonomy, perception, and hardware interfaces. Provides technical and project leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams and delivers validated simulation capabilities for customer programs and internal research.
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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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.
As a Senior Engineer in Modelling and Simulation, you will lead the development, integration, and operationalisation of simulation capabilities that enable Hivemind Mission Autonomy programs in Australia. You will architect, implement, and maintain high‑performance, real‑time and faster‑than‑real‑time simulation environments used by autonomy, perception, and systems engineering teams to design, test, and demonstrate cutting‑edge uncrewed aircraft mission autonomy.
This role involves significant technical leadership, cross‑functional collaboration, and delivery of complex simulation frameworks that support both customer programs and internal R&D. You will directly contribute to scalable, operationally representative simulation ecosystems that underpin mission‑critical software development.
What you'll do:
- Lead the architecture, design, and evolution of distributed, real‑time simulation systems across virtual, constructive, and live environments.
- Architect and implement high‑performance C++ software for modelling, simulation, integration workflows, and system interoperability, including compatibility with legacy standards.
- Develop and optimise real‑time and distributed simulation software supporting multi‑agent scenarios, high‑fidelity environments, and system‑of‑systems simulations.
- Integrate defence simulation frameworks such as AFSIM or NGTS to accelerate delivery and ensure alignment with defence customer expectations.
- Design and deliver containerised simulation deployments using technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes for development, CI, testing, and operational environments.
- Provide technical and project leadership to engineering teams of 5+ contributors across software, autonomy, perception, test, and program functions.
- Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to connect simulation with autonomy algorithms, hardware interfaces, and automated test pipelines.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement in CI/CD, test‑driven development, software architecture, and simulation tooling.
- Support key customer programs by delivering robust, validated, and scalable simulation environments.
Required qualifications:
- Tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
- Extensive professional experience in software engineering and systems integration.
- Strong experience with modern C++ and familiarity with legacy C++ standards.
- Professional experience with Python.
- Demonstrated success delivering reliable software in fast‑paced engineering environments.
- Experience leading teams delivering complex engineering or software projects.
- Hands‑on experience with real‑time, distributed simulation systems or HWIL/SWIL environments.
- Experience with Docker or similar containerisation technologies.
- Proficiency working in Linux development environments.
- Strong problem‑solving capability and ability to work through complex technical challenges.
- Strong history of collaboration, accountability, and being an effective and kind teammate.
- Ability to obtain an Australian NV1 security clearance.
Preferred qualifications:
- Defence industry experience.
- Experience with uncrewed systems, particularly in the air domain.
- Experience with AFSIM, NGTS, or similar defence simulation environments.
- Experience with data processing, analysis pipelines, or test automation workflows (especially Python‑based).
#LC
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.
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, colour, 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.
Shield AI London, England Office
Shield AI London Office
4 More London Place, London, England, United Kingdom, SE1 2AF
Similar Jobs at Shield AI
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Leads and scales Shield AI’s international Aechelon sales organization, integrating the acquired business into Shield AI’s go-to-market strategy. Responsibilities include sales team leadership, post-acquisition integration, territory and account planning, pipeline and forecast management, complex defense and enterprise pursuits, cross-selling, partner development, and alignment with product, engineering, marketing, and customer engagement teams.
Top Skills:
AechelonAi/MlAutonomy SoftwareCRMHivemindSaaSSimulation TechnologySynthetic RealityVisualization Platforms
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Design, develop, test, and deploy autonomous behaviors for uncrewed aircraft. Build sensor-fusion solutions, autonomy systems, and task and motion planning capabilities using real-world sensor data and high-fidelity simulations. Integrate autonomy products with third-party aircraft and systems, contribute to architecture and code quality, collaborate across AI, robotics, and systems teams, and mentor junior engineers.
Top Skills:
Artificial IntelligenceAutonomy SystemsC++Guidance Navigation And ControlHardware-In-The-Loop SimulationPath PlanningPerceptionReal-Time SystemsRoboticsSensor FusionSoftware-In-The-Loop SimulationTask And Motion Planning
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Design and maintain automated test frameworks, validation tooling, and infrastructure for autonomy software. Develop Python automation, regression, integration, functional, and performance tests across simulation, SIL, HIL, and VIL environments. Analyze results, troubleshoot integration issues, create quality metrics and readiness assessments, and integrate testing into CI/CD workflows. Collaborate with autonomy, systems engineering, flight test, and integration teams to support software quality and operational readiness.
Top Skills:
ArdupilotCi/CdHardware-In-The-Loop (Hil)LinuxPx4PythonSoftware-In-The-Loop (Sil)Vehicle-In-The-Loop (Vil)
What you need to know about the London Tech Scene
London isn't just a hub for established businesses; it's also a nursery for innovation. Boasting one of the most recognized fintech ecosystems in Europe, attracting billions in investments each year, London's success has made it a go-to destination for startups looking to make their mark. Top U.K. companies like Hoptin, Moneybox and Marshmallow have already made the city their base — yet fintech is just the beginning. From healthtech to renewable energy to cybersecurity and beyond, the city's startups are breaking new ground across a range of industries.
