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Principal Engineer, Software (R5285)

Shield AIUnited StatesSpecial Projects
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Salary
$220K - $330K USD
Job type
Full Time Employee
Posted
1 Jul 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

Defense is seeking a Principal Engineer, Software to join the Special Projects team within the United States. This full-time position places an experienced engineering expert directly inside the Office of the CTO to drive strategic technology development. Ideal candidates are senior software professionals who excel at navigating ambiguity and shaping autonomous systems.

Role Overview

The Special Projects group operates as an elite task force guiding the technical direction of Hivemind, the organization's flagship software ecosystem for intelligent aircraft teaming. Engineers in this division tackle complex challenges by embedding tactically within various product groups or sprinting forward to build reference implementations. Rather than owning individual software items, this team influences foundational products like EdgeOS, Pilot, Forge, and Commander. Professionals entering this group gain extensive architectural breadth and depth across the entire ecosystem, preparing them for broader technical leadership roles within the enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

Drive technology development into strategic alignment with the CTO's overarching vision.
Make direct, high-impact contributions to all core pillars of the Hivemind software architecture.
Deliver low-technology readiness level solutions rapidly through targeted execution.
Work shoulder-to-shoulder with diverse product teams to enhance internal development capabilities.
Build reference implementations and pioneer innovative approaches for autonomous flight software.
Navigate shifting ambiguities to solve critical technical obstacles across multiple engineering domains.

Requirements

Extensive professional background in software engineering spanning fields such as aerospace, robotics, cloud infrastructure, or game development.
Proven ability to operate effectively within highly ambiguous environments and complex technical landscapes.
Strong capacity to collaborate seamlessly with senior engineering experts and product organizations.

Skills and Tools

Python
React
TypeScript
C++

Salary and Benefits

Annual Compensation: $220,000 to $330,000 USD per year.
Employment Type: Full-Time Employee.

About the Company

Defense, operating through Shield AI, is a venture-backed defense-technology enterprise dedicated to protecting service members and civilians utilizing intelligent systems. Its technological portfolio features Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, alongside Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality solutions. With operational facilities spanning the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region, the organization supports active deployments worldwide.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the official company careers page to submit their application for this role.

Skills and tech stack

PythonReactTypeScriptC++

Questions candidates ask

What is the salary range for the Principal Engineer, Software position?

The annual salary ranges from $220,000 to $330,000 USD.

Where is this job located?

The position is based in the United States and is designated as a full-time employee role.

Which programming languages and frameworks are relevant to this position?

Key technologies utilized include Python, React, TypeScript, and C++.

What does the Special Projects team do?

The Special Projects team acts as an elite engineering force under the Office of the CTO, tasked with strategically steering technology development, driving low-TRL solutions, and contributing to the Hivemind software ecosystem.

How can I apply for this job?

Candidates can apply directly through the official company careers page.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official Shield AI careers page.

Apply on company site