Software Engineer AI Jobs at Shield AI with Visa Sponsorship
Shield AI builds autonomous defense technology, and Software Engineer AI roles here sit at the intersection of machine learning, robotics, and national security systems. The company has sponsored work visas for engineering talent, making it a realistic target for international candidates with the right technical background.
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INTRODUCTION
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The VBAT Software team is a motivated group of engineers focused on developing complex avionics software that merges hardware, operating systems, and applications for cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). Embedded Software engineers work with customer programs, electrical engineers, Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC) engineers, systems engineers, test engineers, and the autonomy team to design and develop software systems which utilize modern aerospace sensors, state-of-the-art UAV avionics, and groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence applications. As a member of the VBAT Software team, you will develop and maintain software architectures, generate and maintain all levels of software requirements, document and present software designs, coordinate software development, and marshal the entire suite of VBAT software through test and verification, release, and deployment to production and customers.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
- Develop high-quality C/C++ code tailored specifically for V-Bat aircraft, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and safety.
- Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews.
- Lead cross-functional teams to create systems of software features to implement advanced robotic avionics capabilities.
- Integrate software from multiple departments to include firmware, software test and verification, Autonomy AI, and Ground Control Stations (GCS).
- Develop software systems to implement and integrate interfaces to modern avionics sensors, sub-systems, and payloads.
- Facilitate the design process for updates to the software system architecture.
- Use modern software development tools and processes to capture our existing architecture and design future architectures.
- Collaborate to define and extend systems engineering processes.
- Report status, risks, accomplishments, expectations to senior leadership.
- Work with the V-Bat production teams to manufacture UAVs in-house.
- Design and implement systems capable of conducting tests across various environments, including virtualized hardware and hardware-in-the-loop simulations, to facilitate thorough evaluation of software functionality and performance.
- Develop innovative tools to enhance the frequency and reliability of software deployment, test execution, and data analysis within a continuous integration and release system, fostering improved efficiency and productivity in software development workflows.
- Create prototypes to validate critical design concepts and assess technical limitations, providing tangible evidence of feasibility and informing decision-making processes.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated track record of assuming ownership over development processes and features and delivering outstanding outcomes.
- Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed client expectations in a fast-paced environment.
- Proactively identify opportunities for improvement within software development projects, demonstrating initiative to propose and implement innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and overall project success and V-Bat reliability.
- B.S., M.S, PhD degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline, such as Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
- Strong embedded software development experience in C/C++.
- Strong knowledge of embedded software, kernel development, BSPs or other systems software components.
- Good understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, and network protocols fundamentals.
- Experience producing high-quality technical documentation, including architecture, detailed designs, and test plans.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience working on cutting-edge autonomous robotic systems.
- Proven background in thriving within fast-paced environments, particularly within startup or R&D settings.
- Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and the ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful outcomes.
- Real Time Operating System (RTOS) experience.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $166,410 - $249,616 a year.
- Full-time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity.
- Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment).
- Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an 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. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

INTRODUCTION
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The VBAT Software team is a motivated group of engineers focused on developing complex avionics software that merges hardware, operating systems, and applications for cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). Embedded Software engineers work with customer programs, electrical engineers, Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC) engineers, systems engineers, test engineers, and the autonomy team to design and develop software systems which utilize modern aerospace sensors, state-of-the-art UAV avionics, and groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence applications. As a member of the VBAT Software team, you will develop and maintain software architectures, generate and maintain all levels of software requirements, document and present software designs, coordinate software development, and marshal the entire suite of VBAT software through test and verification, release, and deployment to production and customers.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
- Develop high-quality C/C++ code tailored specifically for V-Bat aircraft, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and safety.
- Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews.
- Lead cross-functional teams to create systems of software features to implement advanced robotic avionics capabilities.
- Integrate software from multiple departments to include firmware, software test and verification, Autonomy AI, and Ground Control Stations (GCS).
- Develop software systems to implement and integrate interfaces to modern avionics sensors, sub-systems, and payloads.
- Facilitate the design process for updates to the software system architecture.
- Use modern software development tools and processes to capture our existing architecture and design future architectures.
- Collaborate to define and extend systems engineering processes.
- Report status, risks, accomplishments, expectations to senior leadership.
- Work with the V-Bat production teams to manufacture UAVs in-house.
- Design and implement systems capable of conducting tests across various environments, including virtualized hardware and hardware-in-the-loop simulations, to facilitate thorough evaluation of software functionality and performance.
- Develop innovative tools to enhance the frequency and reliability of software deployment, test execution, and data analysis within a continuous integration and release system, fostering improved efficiency and productivity in software development workflows.
- Create prototypes to validate critical design concepts and assess technical limitations, providing tangible evidence of feasibility and informing decision-making processes.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated track record of assuming ownership over development processes and features and delivering outstanding outcomes.
- Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed client expectations in a fast-paced environment.
- Proactively identify opportunities for improvement within software development projects, demonstrating initiative to propose and implement innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and overall project success and V-Bat reliability.
- B.S., M.S, PhD degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline, such as Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
- Strong embedded software development experience in C/C++.
- Strong knowledge of embedded software, kernel development, BSPs or other systems software components.
- Good understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, and network protocols fundamentals.
- Experience producing high-quality technical documentation, including architecture, detailed designs, and test plans.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience working on cutting-edge autonomous robotic systems.
- Proven background in thriving within fast-paced environments, particularly within startup or R&D settings.
- Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and the ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful outcomes.
- Real Time Operating System (RTOS) experience.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $166,410 - $249,616 a year.
- Full-time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity.
- Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment).
- Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an 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. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Software Engineer AI Jobs at Shield AI Jobs
Align Your Credentials to Defense Security Requirements
Shield AI works on classified defense programs, so confirm your eligibility for a security clearance before applying. Many Software Engineer AI roles require or strongly prefer candidates who can obtain a U.S. security clearance, which limits eligibility for certain visa holders.
Target Roles Matching Your Exact ML Stack
Shield AI's AI engineering work spans autonomy, computer vision, and embedded systems. Match your application to postings that name your specific frameworks, such as PyTorch or ROS, since generic software engineering backgrounds are less competitive than deep specialization in defense-relevant AI.
Use Migrate Mate to Surface Active Sponsorship Openings
Not all Shield AI postings actively welcome visa sponsorship at the same time. Use Migrate Mate to filter Software Engineer AI roles at Shield AI that are currently open to sponsored candidates, so you're not applying blind to postings that won't support your visa status.
Clarify OPT and CPT Timelines With Your Recruiter Early
If you're on F-1 OPT, Shield AI needs to start your onboarding before your authorization window closes. Bring your EAD expiration date into early recruiter conversations, since defense hiring cycles can run longer than standard tech roles.
Understand How TN Status Fits Defense Contracting Work
Canadian and Mexican nationals on TN status can work in Software Engineer AI roles, but TN classification requires the position to fall within a qualifying USMCA occupation category. Confirm with Shield AI's immigration counsel that your specific role description aligns with DOL's TN engineer definition before accepting an offer.
Prepare for PERM Labor Certification If Pursuing a Green Card
EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card paths require PERM labor certification through DOL, a process that typically takes 12 to 18 months before USCIS even receives your petition. Ask Shield AI's immigration team about their PERM filing cadence for engineering roles so you can plan your long-term status accordingly.
Software Engineer AI at Shield AI jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Software Engineer AI at Shield AI JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does Shield AI sponsor H-1B visas for Software Engineer AIs?
Shield AI has sponsored employment-based visas for engineering roles, but H-1B sponsorship for Software Engineer AI positions depends on the specific role, your current status, and timing relative to the H-1B cap lottery. Roles requiring a security clearance may also narrow which candidates Shield AI will commit to sponsoring through the H-1B process. Confirm sponsorship eligibility directly with the recruiter before advancing through interviews.
How do I apply for Software Engineer AI jobs at Shield AI?
Applications go through Shield AI's careers page, where postings list required clearance levels, technical skills, and location requirements. Tailor your resume to the autonomy or AI subsystem the role focuses on, whether that's computer vision, motion planning, or embedded inference. Migrate Mate also lists Shield AI's open Software Engineer AI roles filtered by visa sponsorship eligibility, which helps you identify the right openings before applying.
Which visa types are commonly used for Software Engineer AI roles at Shield AI?
Shield AI has worked with F-1 OPT, F-1 CPT, TN, J-1, and employment-based immigrant visas including EB-2 and EB-3 for engineering talent. F-1 OPT is the most common entry point for recent graduates. TN is available to Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying engineer categories. EB-2 and EB-3 are longer-term pathways that require PERM labor certification through DOL before USCIS adjudicates the immigrant petition.
What qualifications does Shield AI expect for Software Engineer AI positions?
Most postings expect a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field, plus hands-on experience with machine learning frameworks like PyTorch and real-time systems or robotics middleware like ROS. Roles on autonomous platforms often require familiarity with onboard inference, sensor fusion, or embedded Linux. The ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance is listed as a requirement or strong preference on most positions.
How long does the sponsorship and hiring process take at Shield AI?
Defense hiring cycles at Shield AI tend to run longer than standard tech roles, often eight to fourteen weeks from application to offer, partly due to security clearance screenings. If H-1B sponsorship is involved, USCIS standard processing adds three to six months on top of that. F-1 OPT candidates need to account for their remaining work authorization window against that timeline and flag any STEM OPT extension needs to the recruiter early.
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