Principal Software Engineer, Generative AI (R3373)

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge—as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software). With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide.  For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.    

As a Principal Engineer on the Generative AI (Gen AI) Team, you will play a pivotal role in harnessing generative AI technologies to enhance the velocity and efficiency of our internal developers and customers. This cross-functional team operates under the Systems Group and collaborates closely with Software Operations, Autonomy Factory Team, and other key stakeholders to integrate AI-driven solutions into our products and processes.

• Core Product Enhancements: Develop and integrate generative AI tools to augment existing feature sets for both internal and external consumption.
• Standalone Applications: Design and implement new AI-driven tools aimed at improving developer velocity, such as upgrade assistants and documentation aides.
• Internal Process Tools: Create and deploy AI solutions focused on enhancing internal release velocity, including PR review automation and bug resolution agents.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Software Operations group to define requirements and timelines for compute and networking needs, ensuring adherence to best practices and IP safety standards.
• Integration: Partner with the Autonomy Factory Team to incorporate AI tooling into the deployed server, enhancing workflows and user experiences.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience developing large, production-quality software systems for Machine Learning or Autonomy.
• Expertise in modern programming languages such as Python, C++, or Go.
• Proven experience with generative AI models and frameworks, including training, fine-tuning, and deployment.
• Strong knowledge of software development best practices, including CI/CD, version control (Git), and code management tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects and mentor junior engineers.

• Familiarity with AI integration into developer tooling and workflows.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices related to AI deployments.
• Experience with cloud platforms and scalable AI infrastructure.

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

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. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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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, color, 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.