Engineer I, Software - Autonomy Capabilities - New Grad - 6129
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 12, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 27, 2026. Shield AI scores B on the Alion truth index.
The Autonomy Capabilities team develops reusable software that enables autonomous systems to plan, decide, coordinate, and execute missions. Our work includes mission behaviors, motion planning, multi-agent coordination, and contingency handling across unmanned platforms.
As an entry-level engineer, you will build and test well-defined autonomy software with regular guidance from experienced engineers. This is a full-time role focused on learning the codebase and delivering small, reviewable changes rather than owning an algorithm or architecture end to end.
What you'll do:
* Implement small, well-defined C++ changes to autonomy capabilities, examples, configuration, or tooling.
* Add unit tests and simulation scenarios using established frameworks and expected behaviors.
* Analyze simulation outputs and reproduce failures using logs, visualizations, and debug tools with guidance.
* Help connect autonomy capabilities to perception products, platform interfaces, and mission software.
* Document assumptions, test results, and setup instructions; participate in code and design reviews.
* Work with autonomy, perception, integration, and simulation teammates to understand how capabilities are used.
We are seeking Autonomous Software Engineers for full-time roles starting in 2027! This is a paid, in-person, full-time position for students graduating during the 2026-2027 academic year. We are now reviewing applications for positions starting after graduation in 2027.
Required Qualifications
Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, graduating between December 2026 and August 2027.
Foundational C++ or Python programming demonstrated through coursework, projects, research, internships, or work experience.
Coursework or project exposure to robotics, controls, planning, AI, simulation, or optimization.
Familiarity with Linux, Git, debugging, and basic software-testing practices.
- Ability to break down well-defined problems, communicate progress, and use feedback to improve work.
- Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior internship or co-op experience writing software.
Projects involving path planning, controls, state machines, multi-agent systems, or simulation.
- Experience with ROS, pub-sub systems, CMake, containers, CI, or automated tests.
- Experience building simulation, visualization, or data-analysis tools.