Software Engineer II, Task Group (R3014)

As a Software Engineer II at Shield AI, your primary responsibilities include researching, designing, and implementing advanced planning algorithms for our AI systems. You'll work with both soft and hard real-time operating systems and robotics middleware, ensuring your work contributes to our mission of developing intelligent systems for the defense sector. Moreover, mentoring other engineers, optimizing the planning stack, and collaborating with cross-functional teams are key aspects of this role.

To be considered for the Software Engineer II role at Shield AI, you typically need a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, preferably with a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in a related field. Proficiency in C++ (versions 11, 14, or 17) is crucial, alongside experience in collaborative development environments and modern software engineering practices. Familiarity with multi-threaded programming and debugging tools will also be essential.

As a Software Engineer II at Shield AI, you can expect to work on diverse and exciting projects, including designing Mission Planning interfaces and implementing multi-agent coordination for tasks assigned to heterogeneous teams. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to port PAC libraries to CUDA kernels and EdgeOS, and establish an analysis and simulation framework for testing various components under different conditions.

At Shield AI, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture that emphasizes kindness and strong communication. Our team members are encouraged to share ideas and support each other while pursuing innovative solutions to complex challenges. As part of our commitment to serving service members and civilians, we believe that a diverse and respectful workplace drives our success.

At Shield AI, our Software Engineer II can expect robust career growth opportunities. You’ll not only develop your technical skills while working on state-of-the-art projects, but you'll also have the chance to mentor others, present ideas to stakeholders, and potentially lead future development initiatives as you build your career within a rapidly evolving technology landscape.

Shield AI is dedicated to ensuring a healthy work-life balance for all employees, including those in the Software Engineer II position. We provide flexible working hours where feasible, encouraging our team members to engage in activities outside of work. Our supportive environment acknowledges the importance of personal time and family commitments, ensuring you can thrive both professionally and personally.

The compensation range for a Software Engineer II at Shield AI is quite competitive, ranging from $135,278.40 to $202,917.60 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. This package also includes various benefits, potential bonuses, and equity options, reflecting our recognition of the value each employee brings to the company.

When answering this question, highlight your proficiency with C++ versions 11, 14, or 17, demonstrating how you’ve applied this knowledge in real-world projects. Include specific examples, such as performance optimizations, implementing features, or troubleshooting complex issues, to showcase your practical experience and problem-solving skills.

During your response, discuss your understanding of algorithm complexities and how you prioritize performance in real-time applications. Share specific strategies you’ve used in previous roles, such as profiling tools or design choices that contributed to efficiency, helping the interviewer understand your analytical mindset.

To address this question, emphasize your commitment to best practices such as test-driven development, code reviews, and continuous integration. Provide examples of how you’ve implemented these practices in your projects, which not only improved code quality but also enabled easier collaboration among team members.

In your response, choose a specific technical challenge that highlights your problem-solving abilities. Explain the steps you took to assess the situation, the solutions you considered, and the ultimate outcome. Be sure to discuss what you learned from the experience and how it informed your future work.

When discussing your experience with robotics middleware like ROS or PX4, describe particular projects where you utilized these technologies, detailing your role and contributions. Additionally, explain your familiarity with cloud infrastructure management and containerization tools, illustrating how you’ve employed them in practical applications.

When answering this question, share your philosophy on mentorship. Discuss specific mentoring techniques you've found effective, such as regular check-ins, providing constructive feedback, and fostering an inclusive environment where junior engineers feel comfortable seeking help or sharing ideas.

In your response, detail the debugging and profiling tools you’ve used, such as gdb or valgrind, and your approach to diagnosing complex issues. Share specific scenarios where your strategies led to solutions, emphasizing your analytical skills and ability to troubleshoot effectively in high-pressure situations.

To effectively answer this question, illustrate your familiarity with writing thread-safe programs while discussing any challenges faced in achieving synchronization, deadlocks, or performance issues. Provide concrete examples of projects where multi-threading was essential, and explain how you ensured the software's stability and performance.

Address the importance of open communication and collaboration in ensuring project success. Share examples of how your effective communication skills have facilitated team dynamics, resolved conflicts, or improved workflows, showcasing your ability to contribute positively in a team-oriented environment.

When discussing your long-term goals, connect them back to Shield AI's mission of developing intelligent systems for defense. Explain how your aspirations in software engineering, mentorship, or leadership roles fit within the company's objectives, illustrating your enthusiasm to grow with the organization.