Job Overview
Job description
- Location:
- Kyiv, Ukraine
- Work arrangement:
- On-site
Role Summary
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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Requirements
- 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.
- Role:
- Software Integration & Test Manager
- Job Type:
- Full Time Employee
Company profile
Shieldai
shield.aiShield AI is a United States aerospace and defense technology company that builds AI pilots and aircraft to protect service members and civilians by shifting dangerous tasks from humans to autonomous systems. Its Hivemind system has flown an MQ-20 Avenger, and the company enabled the X-62 VISTA to autonomously fly tactical maneuvers against human pilots. Shield AI was founded in 2015 by former Navy SEAL Brandon Tseng with co-founders Ryan Tseng and Andrew Reiter to bring AI and autonomy technology to the DoD and its allies.
- Company Size
- 1,000 - 5,000 employees
- Headquarters
- San Diego, California, United States
- Founded
- 2015