Leads autonomy, integration, and testing teams developing Hivemind capabilities for unmanned aircraft and collaborative autonomous platforms. Oversees system architecture, engineering decisions, technical requirements, risk mitigation, software quality, and delivery across internal research and government defense programs. Provides customer-facing technical leadership, manages teams of 6–20 engineers, supports proposals, and drives deployment of reliable autonomy software.
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 Senior Manager, Autonomy, you will solve complex technical challenges in deploying advanced autonomy solutions on unmanned systems (UxS).
You will lead the in-country team to deliver autonomy solutions and provide clear leadership and guidance on system architecture, design, development, risk mitigation, and product quality. You will ensure the successful integration of Hivemind across a range of aircraft, from small UxS to large autonomous collaborative platforms.
This role is part of the Hivemind Solutions organization delivering cutting-edge autonomous capabilities for commercial and defense programs. The ideal candidate has relevant defense industry experience and a proven track record of leading technical teams to develop and deploy autonomous systems.
What you'll do:
- Lead teams across autonomy, integration, and testing by aligning technical efforts, resolving cross-functional challenges, and driving mission-focused execution. Balance hands-on technical oversight with performance optimization, innovation, and clear stakeholder communication.
- Lead a team responsible for advancing Hivemind and shaping autonomy architectures.
- Define and assign technical objectives, make key engineering decisions, and ensure the quality and completeness of all technical deliverables.
- Provide technical leadership and oversight across both Internal Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives and government defense contracts.
Required qualifications:
- BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
- 10+ years of industry experience in autonomy and/or UxS platforms (e.g., defense technology, autonomous vehicles)
- 7+ years delivering software into high-reliability production or certifiable environments
- 2+ years managing technical teams
- Deep proficiency in C++
- Understanding of guidance, navigation and control (GNC) (e.g., controls, estimation, planning)
- Understanding of the full robotics stack (e.g., perception, estimation, planning, controls)
- Understanding of software development processes and how to effectively deploy software
- Experience defining technical scope and managing technical requirements, product architectures, interface control documents (ICDs), and other system-level design documentation
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills, applying a structured, scientific approach
- Experience as a customer-facing engineering leader supporting both defense and internally funded development programs
- Experience contributing to government contract proposals
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Proven leadership of teams of 6–20 engineers
- Fluent written and spoken English and Mandarin
#LI-CG3
#LE
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.
Similar Jobs at Shield AI
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Provides on-site operational, technical, maintenance, training, and customer support for Shield AI’s V-BAT unmanned aircraft system in Taiwan. Serves as the primary customer interface, supports safe flight and mission operations, troubleshoots technical issues, mentors operators and maintainers, coordinates with internal engineering and support teams, and helps customers operate the system safely and effectively.
Top Skills:
Aircraft Maintenance SystemsHivemind Autonomy SoftwareV-Bat Unmanned Aircraft System (Uas)
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
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 • Defense Technology
Design, develop, test, and deploy autonomous behaviors for uncrewed aircraft. Build sensor-fusion solutions, autonomy systems, and high-fidelity software and hardware-in-the-loop simulations. Integrate autonomy products with third-party aircraft and systems, collaborate across AI, robotics, and systems engineering teams, contribute to architecture and code quality, and mentor junior engineers.
Top Skills:
Artificial IntelligenceAutonomy SystemsC++Guidance Navigation And ControlHardware-In-The-Loop SimulationPath PlanningReal-Time SystemsRoboticsSensor FusionSoftware-In-The-Loop SimulationState Estimation
What you need to know about the Singapore Tech Scene
The digital revolution has driven a constant demand for tech professionals across industries like software development, data analytics and cybersecurity. In Singapore, one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia, the demand for tech talent is so high that the government continues to invest millions into programs designed to develop a talent pipeline directly from universities while also scaling efforts in pre-employment training and mid-career upskilling to expand and elevate its workforce.
