Staff Engineer Jobs at Shield AI with Visa Sponsorship
Staff Engineer jobs at Shield AI sit at the intersection of advanced software systems and autonomous defense technology, requiring deep technical expertise in areas like AI, robotics, or distributed systems. Shield AI sponsors multiple work visa types for this function, making it a viable path for international engineers targeting defense-sector leadership roles.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
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.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a DevOps Engineer, you’ll own our CI/CD and automation stack — driving developer velocity, pipeline health, and large-scale test execution from single-agent runs to cluster-orchestrated mission scenarios. This is a hands-on IC role that removes bottlenecks, accelerates iteration, and ensures every engineer can test and ship with speed and rigor.
What you'll do:
- Own and operate the CI/CD system across autonomy, embedded, and ground software.
- Improve developer velocity by reducing build/test cycle time and eliminating pipeline bottlenecks.
- Scale simulation test execution in CI — from containerized single-agent runs to orchestrated clusters.
- Manage infrastructure for builds and tests (Azure DevOps, Git, Artifactory, cloud build agents).
- Fully automate common tasks to create a self-service DevOps model allowing developers to be fully empowered.
- Partner with developers to resolve build/test failures quickly and set best practices for integration.
- Integrate CI pipelines with HIL and simulation environments for automated validation.
- Implement monitoring, dashboards, and alerts for CI/CD health and performance.
- Collaborate with the Developer Ops teams across Shield AI to introduce new technologies, best practices, and shared standards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- BS in CS, CE, EE, or related field with 7+ years industry experience (or MS/PhD with 5+ years).
- Strong expertise in CI/CD tools (Azure DevOps, Jenkins, GitHub Actions).
- Proficiency with containers and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, cloud build clusters).
- Strong scripting skills (Python, Bash, PowerShell).
- Hands-on experience integrating automated testing into CI pipelines.
- Demonstrated success improving developer productivity at scale.
- Demonstrated track record of excellence as a primary contributor on projects - showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions in a fast-paced environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience building simulation or HIL-based test pipelines.
- CMake/C++ expertise or equivalent.
- Strong understanding of dependency management and proficiency with either Conan or CPM.
- Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Ansible) and monitoring (Grafana, Prometheus).
- Background in robotics, autonomy, or aerospace systems.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $158,000 - $215,000 a year
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.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a DevOps Engineer, you’ll own our CI/CD and automation stack — driving developer velocity, pipeline health, and large-scale test execution from single-agent runs to cluster-orchestrated mission scenarios. This is a hands-on IC role that removes bottlenecks, accelerates iteration, and ensures every engineer can test and ship with speed and rigor.
What you'll do:
- Own and operate the CI/CD system across autonomy, embedded, and ground software.
- Improve developer velocity by reducing build/test cycle time and eliminating pipeline bottlenecks.
- Scale simulation test execution in CI — from containerized single-agent runs to orchestrated clusters.
- Manage infrastructure for builds and tests (Azure DevOps, Git, Artifactory, cloud build agents).
- Fully automate common tasks to create a self-service DevOps model allowing developers to be fully empowered.
- Partner with developers to resolve build/test failures quickly and set best practices for integration.
- Integrate CI pipelines with HIL and simulation environments for automated validation.
- Implement monitoring, dashboards, and alerts for CI/CD health and performance.
- Collaborate with the Developer Ops teams across Shield AI to introduce new technologies, best practices, and shared standards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- BS in CS, CE, EE, or related field with 7+ years industry experience (or MS/PhD with 5+ years).
- Strong expertise in CI/CD tools (Azure DevOps, Jenkins, GitHub Actions).
- Proficiency with containers and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, cloud build clusters).
- Strong scripting skills (Python, Bash, PowerShell).
- Hands-on experience integrating automated testing into CI pipelines.
- Demonstrated success improving developer productivity at scale.
- Demonstrated track record of excellence as a primary contributor on projects - showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions in a fast-paced environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience building simulation or HIL-based test pipelines.
- CMake/C++ expertise or equivalent.
- Strong understanding of dependency management and proficiency with either Conan or CPM.
- Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Ansible) and monitoring (Grafana, Prometheus).
- Background in robotics, autonomy, or aerospace systems.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $158,000 - $215,000 a year
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.
See all 40+ Staff Engineer Jobs at Shield AI
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Staff Engineer Jobs at Shield AI
Obtain security clearance eligibility early
Many Staff Engineer roles at Shield AI require or strongly prefer U.S. security clearance eligibility. Non-U.S. citizens on work visas are generally ineligible, so confirming which open roles are clearance-exempt before applying saves significant time.
Tailor your resume to autonomous systems
Shield AI's Staff Engineer openings consistently center on autonomy stacks, real-time systems, and mission-critical software. Framing your experience around embedded systems, robotics, or AI safety rather than general software engineering signals direct alignment with their technical domain.
Use Migrate Mate to filter open roles by visa type
Shield AI posts Staff Engineer roles across multiple teams with varying sponsorship eligibility. Use Migrate Mate to filter specifically for positions open to your visa category, so you target roles where sponsorship is already confirmed before investing time in applications.
Understand how OPT timing affects your offer window
If you're on F-1 OPT, the 60-day grace period and STEM OPT extension timeline matter for when Shield AI can realistically file your H-1B or start PERM. Align your interview timeline so an offer lands with enough runway on your current authorization.
Ask directly about the PERM and EB filing path
For EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship, PERM labor certification with DOL typically adds 12 to 18 months before an I-140 petition can even be filed. Clarifying whether Shield AI initiates PERM early or only after a probationary period helps you plan your long-term immigration strategy.
Highlight experience with safety-critical or regulated systems
Defense contractors like Shield AI operate under strict export control and engineering standards. Documenting prior work on safety-critical, regulated, or certified systems in your application materials directly addresses a screening concern that disqualifies many otherwise strong candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shield AI sponsor H-1B visas for Staff Engineers?
Shield AI's visa sponsorship activity for Staff Engineer roles includes pathways beyond the H-1B visa, such as TN visa for Canadian and Mexican nationals, F-1 OPT and CPT for students, and J-1 visa for exchange visitors. H-1B visa sponsorship is not explicitly listed among the visa types currently associated with this role at Shield AI, so confirming the specific sponsorship offering with the recruiter during initial conversations is strongly advised.
How do I apply for Staff Engineer jobs at Shield AI?
Applications for Staff Engineer positions go through Shield AI's careers page, where roles are listed by team and location. Before applying, verify that the specific posting includes visa sponsorship, as not every opening at a company that sponsors will sponsor for every role. Migrate Mate lets you browse Shield AI's Staff Engineer openings filtered by visa type, so you can identify confirmed sponsorship roles before starting your application.
Which visa types are most relevant for Staff Engineer roles at Shield AI?
Shield AI sponsors F-1 OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, and employment-based Green Card categories including EB-2 and EB-3 for Staff Engineer roles. TN is available to Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying engineering occupations. EB-2 and EB-3 require PERM labor certification through DOL before petition filing, making them longer-term pathways suited for candidates already in the U.S. on a valid work authorization.
What qualifications does Shield AI expect for Staff Engineer candidates?
Staff Engineer roles at Shield AI typically require substantial experience in software engineering, with depth in areas like autonomy, real-time or embedded systems, machine learning infrastructure, or mission-critical software. Given the defense context, familiarity with engineering practices under regulatory or safety constraints is a recurring signal in their job descriptions. A bachelor's or advanced degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field is standard, though equivalent demonstrated experience is also recognized.
How long does the sponsorship and hiring process typically take for international candidates?
From offer acceptance to work authorization, timelines depend on your current visa status. TN status can be established at the border in a single day for Canadian nationals. F-1 OPT transfers require employer E-Verify registration and an updated I-20. EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card sponsorship through PERM runs 18 months or more before an I-140 is even filed. Building this timeline into your job search, especially if your current authorization expires within a year, is critical.