Staff Software Engineer, Embedded Firmware (R2524)

As a Staff Software Engineer, Embedded Firmware at Shield AI, your primary responsibilities include developing high-quality C/C++ code for V-BAT aircraft, integrating real-time operating systems, and refining existing firmware for new functionalities. You will also participate in architecture design, perform software testing, and collaborate across departments to ensure seamless integration of multiple software components. Overall, you'll be crucial in delivering software solutions that enhance performance and reliability in autonomous systems.

To qualify for the Staff Software Engineer, Embedded Firmware position at Shield AI, you should have solid experience in C/C++ software development, especially within embedded systems. A degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM discipline is essential. Additional expertise in Linux Kernel or RTOS development, as well as a demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality products on time, would make you a strong candidate.

In the role of Staff Software Engineer, Embedded Firmware at Shield AI, you'll engage with modern software development tools and processes. These include version control systems, Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, and automated testing frameworks tailored for embedded systems. Familiarity with these tools will enhance the frequency and reliability of software deployments and facilitate efficient testing and data analysis workflows.

The work culture for a Staff Software Engineer, Embedded Firmware at Shield AI is collaborative and innovative, encouraging creativity in problem-solving. You’ll find a fast-paced environment where adapting to change is essential, as you'll be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to developing cutting-edge technologies for autonomous systems. The company values input at all levels, promoting a sense of ownership and initiative in enhancing software processes.

At Shield AI, career growth for Staff Software Engineers, Embedded Firmware is actively encouraged. The company invests in professional development through training, mentorship programs, and participation in innovative projects that challenge your skills. Additionally, being part of a pioneering organization in defense technology provides ample opportunities to work with the latest in AI and aerospace systems, allowing you to expand both your technical and leadership capabilities.

When answering questions about your experience with C/C++ in embedded systems, highlight specific projects where you've successfully developed firmware. Discuss the methodologies you've used, such as Agile or Waterfall, and any challenges you faced, particularly with performance optimization or reliability issues. It's valuable to explain how your experiences align with the requirements at Shield AI.

In your response, describe your strategic approach to developing software for UAVs, focusing on system requirements, integration with hardware, and testing protocols. Mention any relevant projects and your ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address challenges, as this aligns well with the collaborative nature at Shield AI.

Discuss any previous work you've done with real-time operating systems (RTOS), such as your role in integrating RTOS into embedded systems. Emphasize your understanding of low-level programming and the importance of thread safety, particularly in high-stakes applications like those at Shield AI, where reliability is critical.

Choose a project that highlights your problem-solving skills and technical expertise relevant to the role at Shield AI. Discuss the context, your contributions, setbacks faced, and how you navigated them to achieve a successful outcome. This showcases your resilience and capability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

In your answer, touch on the testing strategies you've employed, such as unit testing, integration testing, and automated workflows. Cite specific examples where you improved software reliability, which is critical for the mission-centric work being done at Shield AI, ensuring that software performs optimally under various conditions.

Emphasize the importance of collaboration in delivering successful software projects. Highlight your experience working in diverse teams, coordinating between different engineering disciplines, and how effective communication and shared goals have led to enhanced project outcomes in your previous roles.

Describe your time management strategies and prioritization methods when working under tight deadlines. Share how you balance competing priorities while maintaining quality, perhaps by using tools like Kanban or Scrum methodologies, making sure to frame your answer in the context of high-stakes environments like those at Shield AI.

Share a specific example that illustrates your proactive approach to software development. Focus first on identifying an area for improvement, the actions you took to address it, and the positive outcomes that resulted. This will demonstrate your ability to be an innovative contributor, a quality valued highly at Shield AI.

Discuss the importance of CI/CD in modern software development and share examples of how you've implemented CI/CD pipelines in your previous roles. Highlight the tools you used and the impact these practices had on improving development efficiency and reliability, which dovetails with the goals at Shield AI.

In your response, express your enthusiasm for joining a leading-edge company focused on defense technology. Highlight your alignment with Shield AI's mission of protecting lives through innovation and your eagerness to contribute to developing the next generation of autonomous systems. This shows you've done your homework and genuinely care about the company's goals.