Software Engineer Intern

About the Role

Shield AI's Software Development Engineer Intern program spans engineers who design, build, and test the code that powers our autonomous systems, from user-facing applications and embedded flight software to machine learning models and the underlying systems platforms that tie it all together. 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 development 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, whether 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.

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.

Our Summer Internship program is a wonderful opportunity for Fall and Spring graduates to immerse themselves in an innovative and mission driven culture. Our 10-week paid internship program will provide you with hands on mentorship, an opportunity to add real contribution to our company via your internship project, and a possible job offer at the end. You will have the chance to make lifelong friendships, expand your network, and learn all about what it's like to work in a high-growth, fast scaling tech unicorn. You'll take part in company sponsored events and enjoy exploring a new city. Read on below to learn more about this unique internship!

Shield AI is proud to offer competitive pay and a housing stipend for qualified hires. While our People Experience team provides resources and assistance, interns are responsible to find their own housing and travel to and from their office location.