Dallas Hiring Software Engineer Co-Op Intern

About the Role

Shield AI's Software Development Engineer Intern program places engineers in the work of designing, building, and testing the code behind our autonomous systems. Projects range from user-facing applications and embedded flight software to machine learning models and the systems platforms that connect them. Over 10 to 12 weeks, interns work alongside full-time engineers to analyze requirements, write and debug production-quality code, and ship a real feature or capability using our standard Agile practices.

Example Intern Projects

• Applications: Build a new feature or internal tool (web, mobile, or desktop) that streamlines a mission-planning or fleet-management workflow.
• Firmware/Embedded: Develop and debug embedded C/C++ code for a flight controller or sensor module, including bring-up and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Machine Learning: Train, evaluate, and integrate a perception or decision-making model (e.g., object detection, sensor fusion) into an autonomy pipeline.
• Systems Development: Extend a platform tool, API, or data pipeline that supports autonomy software, simulation, or cloud infrastructure.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
• Proficiency in at least one modern programming language (e.g., C, C++, Python, Java, or JavaScript)
• Solid foundation in data structures, algorithms, and software design principles
• Experience writing, testing, and debugging code, through coursework, personal projects, or prior internships
• Familiarity with version control (e.g., Git) and collaborative development workflows
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down ambiguous requirements into working code
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to mobile or web application frameworks and full-stack development
• Hands-on experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers, real-time operating systems, or assembly-level debugging
• Coursework or projects involving machine learning, statistics, probability theory, or deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow)
• Experience with cloud platforms, databases, networking, or distributed systems
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development methodologies
• Prior internship, research, or club/competition experience in robotics, autonomy, or aerospace applications
• Interest in or exposure to the defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems industry

About Shield AI

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, its technology supports operations worldwide. Learn more at www.shield.ai.

The Summer Internship program is a chance for Fall and Spring graduates to join an innovative, mission-driven culture. The paid program includes hands-on mentorship, the opportunity to contribute through your internship project, and a possible job offer at the end. Interns take part in company-sponsored events and get to explore a new city.

Shield AI offers competitive pay and a housing stipend for qualified hires. Interns are responsible for finding their own housing and travel to and from their office location.

Shield AI is an equal opportunity and 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.