Manager, Autonomy Applications Engineering

Shield AI

full-time

Posted on: 9/16/2025

Origin: • 🇺🇸 United States

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💰 $160,000 - $240,000 per year

SeniorLead

Python

About the role

Manage and mentor a team of 4–5 applications engineers focused on customer-aligned workflows and solutions
Lead cross-functional projects to build and maintain internal CONOPs that mirror real-world use of the SDK
Work hands-on with reference autonomy platforms (e.g., quadcopters, UAV, simulations) to validate system functionality
Act as the voice of the customer, turning field feedback into actionable insights for product and engineering teams
Collaborate across product, engineering, and GTM teams to ensure our tools and demos anticipate customer needs
Ensure internal validation and demonstration of features ahead of customer delivery
Oversee the development and rollout of advanced technical training courses and materials
Align demonstrations and training with the goal of enabling customers to achieve first deployment within 120 days
Celebrate and share learnings from customer successes, reinforcing the team’s contribution to fast and effective adoption
Track team performance, project milestones, and training delivery outcomes

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
7+ years of industry experience
2+ years in a customer-facing or autonomy-focused engineering role
2+ years leading technical teams or engineering projects
Experience with autonomy platforms or robotic systems (hardware and/or simulation)
Proficiency in C++ and working knowledge of Python
Strong communication, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills
Ability to convert technical workflows into high-quality training and documentation
All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
Preferred qualifications:
Experience developing or validating autonomy software for aerial or ground robotics platforms
Familiarity with concept development, mission rehearsal, or operational planning
Experience creating and delivering technical training programs or enablement content
Background in defense, aviation, or high-assurance embedded systems environments