Staff Engineer, Operating Systems (R3351)

As a Staff Engineer, Operating Systems at Shield AI, your main responsibilities will include designing and maintaining the Linux or real-time operating system components for our UAVs. You’ll focus on optimizing the performance and reliability of the OS, ensuring efficient resource management, and developing essential drivers and middleware. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to integrate these components with other subsystems, and conduct rigorous testing to ensure system robustness.

To qualify for the Staff Engineer, Operating Systems position at Shield AI, candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience along with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field. Alternatively, a Master’s degree with at least 6 years of experience or a PhD with 4 years’ experience is also acceptable. Proven experience in OS development, especially in real-time and embedded systems, alongside proficiency in programming languages like C and C++, is essential.

A successful Staff Engineer, Operating Systems at Shield AI should have strong skills in OS development, a deep understanding of concurrent programming, and resource management. Experience with RTOS concepts, developing drivers, and a solid foundation in cybersecurity principles in embedded systems are important. Additionally, excellent communication skills are crucial for effective collaboration within teams and with external stakeholders.

Shield AI fosters a culture of continuous improvement and technical leadership. As a Staff Engineer, Operating Systems, you will not only have access to advanced technologies and projects but will also be encouraged to take ownership of your development processes. You will have opportunities to mentor junior engineers and participate in professional development initiatives, helping you grow your career within a supportive environment.

The salary range for the Staff Engineer, Operating Systems position at Shield AI is between $160,160 and $240,240 a year. Compensation may vary based on various factors such as skill set, level of experience, and specific work location. The offer package includes not only the salary but also bonuses, benefits, and equity options.

When answering this question, it’s essential to highlight specific projects where you developed or maintained real-time operating systems. Discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, focusing on your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.

A good answer should demonstrate your methodical approach to debugging, including any tools or techniques you commonly use. Discuss a specific instance where your debugging skills led to a successful resolution of an issue, showcasing your analytical abilities.

It's vital to showcase your organizational skills here. Describe your process for evaluating the urgency and importance of different tasks, highlighting any tools you use to keep track of project deadlines. Provide examples where you successfully managed competing priorities.

During the interview, narrate a specific instance where you collaborated with hardware engineers or software developers. Speak about the communication techniques you employed to ensure successful integration while emphasizing the project's impact on overall system performance.

Highlight your understanding of cybersecurity principles as they apply to embedded systems. Discuss any particular standards or practices you believe are crucial for ensuring the security of an OS in UAVs, along with real-world examples of how you have implemented them.

Share specific examples of the drivers you’ve developed, mentioning the hardware components they supported. Discuss the challenges of integration and how you approached them—this showcases your technical know-how and problem-solving skills.

Express your commitment to continuous learning. Describe any resources you use—such as blogs, professional networks, or tech conferences. Mention how staying informed helped you apply new technologies effectively in your past projects.

Discuss your routine for ensuring code quality, including any testing frameworks, code reviews, or metrics you apply. Mention how maintaining high standards in coding practices contributed to successful project outcomes.

Choose a compelling example where you encountered difficulties. Focus on your thought process, the actions you took to resolve the issue, and the eventual success of the project—this will illustrate your resilience and adaptability.

Craft a personal response that reflects your alignment with Shield AI’s mission and values. Discuss what attracted you to the company, such as its emphasis on innovation and the opportunity to work on technologies that have a real-world impact.