Software Integration & Test Manager

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 https://shield.ai/. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/shield-ai, X https://x.com/shieldaitech, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shield_ai, and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Shield_AI. We are seeking a Manager, Autonomy Software Integration & Test to lead a team supporting the development, integration, testing, and deployment of autonomous systems in Ukraine. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines people management with technical execution across software, hardware, aircraft systems, and flight operations. The ideal candidate has strong software and systems-integration experience, develops high-performing engineers, and can lead complex work in fast-paced field environments. This role will primarily support operations in the Kyiv region, with occasional travel to other locations within Ukraine. What You'll Do - - Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Autonomy Software Integration & Test Engineers. - Set technical priorities, assign resources, manage schedules, and ensure the team delivers against operational requirements. - Guide the development and integration of autonomy software across fixed-wing, multirotor, and other unmanned systems. - Provide technical direction for software bring-up, system configuration, troubleshooting, and mission readiness. - Oversee simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, ground-test, and live flight-test activities. - Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis across software, onboard compute, networking, radios, sensors, flight controllers, and mission systems. - Coordinate engineering support for demonstrations and operational test events, including pre-flight preparation and post-flight analysis. - Partner with autonomy, systems, hardware, flight-test, and operational teams to integrate and validate new capabilities. - Establish effective test procedures, integration workflows, documentation, and deployment-readiness standards. - Remain technically engaged and contribute directly to development, integration, and field troubleshooting when needed. Required Qualifications - - Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. - 5+ years of experience developing, integrating, or testing software for robotics, autonomy, aerospace, embedded systems, or a related field. - Previous experience managing or leading engineering teams. - Strong software-engineering experience in C++ and Python. - Experience with Linux-based systems and hands-on hardware/software integration. - Experience supporting field testing, flight testing, demonstrations, or operational exercises. - Familiarity with MAVLink, PX4, ArduPilot, QGroundControl, or related unmanned-systems technologies. - Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate independently in dynamic environments. - Ability to travel within Ukraine as required. Preferred Qualifications - - Experience leading teams supporting autonomous aircraft or unmanned systems. - Experience with SIL, HIL, VIL, simulation, or flight-test environments. - Familiarity with ROS, DDS, embedded systems, or real-time systems. - Experience with flight controllers, avionics, RF communications, datalinks, or networking systems. - Background in defense, robotics, aerospace, or autonomous systems. - Ukrainian and English language proficiency. 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.