[Remote] Staff Software Engineer, GCS - Full Stack (R5192)

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The Staff Software Engineer will design and develop web-based Ground Control Station (GCS) and Command & Control (C2) software, mentor mid-level engineers, and collaborate with various teams to ensure the successful implementation of mission-critical applications.ResponsibilitiesDevelop & Field Web-Based GCS/C2 Software — Design, develop, and optimize high-performance, responsive GCS software and C2 applications, utilizing modern web technologies (e.g., React, TypeScript, Node.js, Go) to build map-centric mission planning, real-time command & control, video streaming, and telemetry visualization interfacesTechnical Leadership — Own technical direction for major GCS features and full-stack subsystems; architect frontend/backend architectures, design robust APIs, and lead technical decision-making within your project areaCollaboration Across Teams — Act as a primary technical interface with the Autonomy Capabilities team, Perception team, flight operations, and external partners (platform integrators, C2 providers, and vehicle vendors); author and negotiate APIs, REST/WebSocket schemas, and interface contracts rather than just consume themMentorship & Growth — Mentor mid-level engineers on the team; partner with managers on onboarding, leveling, and growth planning. Formally onboard senior new hiresDesign, UX, & Documentation — Drive design reviews, UI/UX prototyping, and API/ICD definitions; champion modern frontend and backend development practices, rigorous unit/integration testing, and developer/operator documentation to close process gaps that span teamsPre-deployment Preparation — Own the build, configuration, and validation process for mission-ready ground stations and C2 web servers; coordinate hardware/software compatibility, UI/UX readiness, and containerized release cadenceOn-site Test & Mission Support — Travel to test sites and support live mission operations (flight tests, range exercises, on-water trials, integration events), working closely with operators and pilots to gather feedback, debug live C2 systems, and troubleshoot web interfaces and network configurations under time-critical field constraintsSystem Debugging & Performance Tuning — Diagnose and resolve integration issues across GCS/C2 stacks, radio links, and telemetry streams — including UI rendering bottlenecks, API latency, database query optimization, and network latency profiling under operationally-representative loadsMission Data & Debrief Support — Architect and implement post-mission debrief utilities and telemetry analysis tools that parse, play back, and visualize telemetry, logs, and payload data for rapid post-mission analysis and issue reproductionContinuous Improvement — Build tools and automation scripts to improve C2 deployment pipelines, test/mission reliability, and simulation-based operator testingC2 Interoperability & Standards — Own compliance and integration with command-and-control standards and architectures (e.g., A-GRA, UCI, OMS, STANAG 4586, MAVLink)Hiring — Interview candidates, help define the skills bar for open roles in your area, and onboard new engineers into your sub-programTravel Requirement — Members of this team typically travel around 10-20% of the year (to support field integration, customer demonstrations, or test events)SkillsBS/MS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experienceTypically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experienceExperience with modern frontend frameworks (e.g., React, TypeScript) and building rich, interactive user experiences in responsive web-based applicationsExperience full-stack or building backend in C/C++, Python, TypeScript, or Go, including service orchestration, command/status interfaces, and data pipelines between UI, ground services, and vehicle-side componentsDeep familiarity with networked and distributed systems, including UDP/TCP transport, custom binary protocols, reliable messaging, pub-sub/IPC middleware, and serialization/IDL toolingExperience using AI-assisted development tools to accelerate software design, implementation, debugging, testing, and code review while maintaining strong engineering judgment, validation discipline, and ownership of final technical decisionsExperience working with databases, including relational (e.g., PostgreSQL) or NoSQL databases, with preference for experience handling spatial/geographic data (e.g., PostGIS)Demonstrated experience owning a major software capability or system from architecture through field deliveryTrack record of mentoring engineers and growing technical talentExperience authoring or negotiating interface contracts, API specifications (e.g., OpenAPI/Swagger), or ICDs with internal or external stakeholdersStrong debugging and profiling skills, including diagnosing browser rendering bottlenecks, API latencies, and network connectivity issuesAbility to obtain a SECRET clearanceExperience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), web mapping libraries (e.g., Maplibre GL, Leaflet, CesiumJS, OpenLayers), and 2D/3D spatial data visualizationFamiliarity with video streaming protocols and multimedia frameworks in a web environment (e.g., WebRTC, HLS, RTSP-to-Web gateways, GStreamer, FFmpeg)Experience developing post-mission telemetry analysis, log parsing, or interactive web-based playback/debrief systemsExperience with containerization and orchestration (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, k3s/k3d) and deploying C2 services to local, edge, or cloud environmentsExperience with platform control / autopilot protocols (e.g., MAVLink, STANAG 4586) or DoD C2 standards (e.g., A-GRA, UCI, OMS)Experience working closely with flight operators, pilots, or military stakeholders to gather feedback and refine user workflowsActive Secret or Top Secret clearanceBenefitsBonusBenefitsEquityTemporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)Company OverviewShield AI is a deep-tech company that focuses on developing AI-powered systems to enhance the safety of service members and civilians. It was founded in 2015, and is headquartered in San Diego, California, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is http://www.shield.ai.