Engineer I, Simulation Framework

What you'll do:

• Develop, compile, test, and maintain C++ and Python software for simulation adapters, plugins, and interfaces.
• Contribute to baseline integrations for simulation backends such as AFSIM, NGTS, Aechelon, HMSSimBlocks, and HMSF.
• Assist with the transition from HMSSimBlocks to HMSF by porting simulation features, updating interfaces, validating behavior, and documenting migration considerations.
• Help maintain and improve existing HMSSimBlocks integrations for programs that still depend on the legacy framework.
• Support the development of reusable simulation components and plugin patterns that enable other engineering teams to integrate custom sensors, vehicle models, effects, or mission capabilities.
• Assist with implementation and maintenance of CIGI-based plugins and interfaces that enable communication between simulation frameworks and Aechelon image generators.
• Help verify functional behavior across simulation plugins, including Common Scenario Format (CSF) file loading, DDS communications, GRID interface requirements, and Hivemind SDK compatibility.
• Diagnose simulation and autonomy integration issues by reviewing application logs, network traffic, DDS messages, API behavior, configuration files, and call stacks.
• Write and maintain unit tests, automated integration tests, developer documentation, and example configurations.
• Participate in code reviews, engineering design discussions, bug triage, and collaborative debugging with simulation, autonomy, and integration teams.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent practical experience may be considered.
• Foundational programming experience in C++ and Python through coursework, internships, personal projects, research, or professional experience.
• Familiarity with Linux development environments, including command-line tools, compiling software, and basic scripting.
• Understanding of core software engineering practices, including Git-based version control, debugging, code review, and automated testing.
• Familiarity with object-oriented programming, software interfaces, APIs, and modular software design.
• Exposure to networking concepts such as TCP, UDP, client-server communication, message passing, or data serialization.
• Interest in modeling and simulation, autonomy, robotics, distributed systems, game engines, visualization systems, or defense technology.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and willingness to learn from senior engineers and cross-functional partners.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. SECRET security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.

Preferred qualifications:

• Internship, academic project, research, or personal-project experience involving simulation, robotics, autonomy, game engines, embedded systems, or vehicle modeling.
• Exposure to modeling and simulation tools or frameworks, including AFSIM, NGTS, Unreal Engine, Unity, Gazebo, ROS/ROS 2, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar environments.
• Familiarity with middleware or distributed communications technologies such as DDS, ROS 2, ZeroMQ, gRPC, or message queues.
• Basic familiarity with CIGI, DIS, HLA, CSF, or other simulation and interoperability standards.
• Experience writing unit tests or automated tests using tools such as GoogleTest, pytest, CTest, or similar frameworks.
• Experience using build systems such as CMake, Make, Bazel, or similar tools.
• Familiarity with containerized development environments, including Docker or Podman.

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. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.