Autonomy Engineering Intern at Shieldai

At Shield AI, we are on a mission to protect service members and civilians by developing the world’s best AI pilot. Since our founding in 2015, we have grown into a venture-backed defense technology company with offices across the United States and abroad. Our flagship AI pilot, known as Hivemind, has already successfully flown a variety of aircraft, including the F-16 fighter jet and the V-BAT drone. We are currently supporting critical operations for the U.S. Department of Defense and our allies, and we are looking for dedicated individuals to join our mission-driven team.

What is this role?

We are seeking an Autonomy Engineering Intern to join our team for a 10-week summer program. This internship is designed for students who are currently pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD degree in Computer Science, Robotics, or a related STEM field and are expected to graduate in December 2025 or Spring 2026. This is an on-site position where you will gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

What will you do?

• Contribute to the Hivemind Pilot component by developing features for our autonomy stack, such as motion planning, sensing, mapping, and multi-agent tasking.
• Work with our Systems team on integration projects that connect our autonomy software with middleware, development tools, or actual air vehicles for flight testing.
• Collaborate with mission-driven teammates to solve complex engineering challenges and deliver high-quality software solutions.

What makes you a great fit?

You should be a student who is passionate about robotics and artificial intelligence. We are looking for candidates who possess the following qualities and skills:

• Strong technical proficiency in C++ and general Software Engineering principles.
• Solid understanding of autonomy concepts, including state estimation, object tracking, and various forms of planning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• A proven track record of taking ownership of projects and delivering exceptional results.
• A collaborative spirit, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to maintaining high standards while being a kind teammate.

What's in it for you?

Our internship program offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in an innovative culture while preparing for a potential career with us. You will benefit from:

• Hands-on mentorship from experienced industry professionals.
• The chance to make a real, tangible contribution to our products through your dedicated internship project.
• Opportunities to expand your professional network and build lifelong friendships with fellow interns.
• Participation in company-sponsored events and the experience of living and working in a new city.
• A clear project scope with the possibility of receiving a full-time job offer upon the successful completion of your internship.