Own full-cycle recruiting for highly specialized software engineering roles spanning autonomy, robotics, embedded software, perception, planning, distributed systems, simulation, machine learning, and infrastructure. Develop sourcing strategies, advise engineering leadership on talent markets and workforce planning, manage complex pipelines, improve recruiting processes and tooling, deliver strong candidate experiences, and mentor junior recruiters.
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
We are looking for a highly strategic and execution-focused Staff Software Recruiter to help scale some of the most critical engineering organizations within the company. This person will own full-cycle recruiting for complex software engineering functions with a particular emphasis on Autonomy, Robotics, Embedded Software, Perception, Planning, Controls, Distributed Systems, and other highly specialized technical domains supporting next-generation aerospace and autonomous systems development.
This is not a traditional recruiting role. We are looking for someone who can operate as a true talent partner to engineering leadership, helping shape hiring strategy, influence workforce planning, drive prioritization discipline, and build scalable pipelines for some of the hardest-to-hire technical talent in the industry.
The ideal candidate thrives in high-growth, high-ambiguity environments and brings a strong track record of closing senior and niche software engineering talent while balancing speed, quality, and stakeholder partnership.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
- Own full-cycle recruiting for highly specialized software engineering roles across Autonomy, Robotics, Perception, Planning, Embedded Software, Distributed Systems, Simulation, Machine Learning, Infrastructure, and related technical domains
- Build and execute proactive sourcing strategies for difficult-to-find technical talent across aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, automotive, AI/ML, and adjacent industries
- Act as a strategic advisor to leadership on market trends, talent availability, compensation competitiveness, and hiring risks
- Drive strong operational rigor across pipeline management, funnel health, data accuracy, and stakeholder communication
- Help influence workforce planning and ensure hiring activity remains aligned to approved business priorities
- Improve recruiting scalability through process improvements, documentation, interview calibration, and tooling optimization
- Deliver an exceptional candidate experience while maintaining urgency and high hiring quality standards
- Mentor junior recruiters and sourcers while helping elevate recruiting best practices across the organization
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 10+ years of full-cycle technical recruiting experience, including significant ownership of complex software engineering searches
- Proven success recruiting Software Engineers, Autonomy Engineers, Robotics Engineers, Embedded Software Engineers, Perception Engineers, Infrastructure Engineers, Machine Learning Engineers, or similar technical talent
- Strong understanding of software engineering concepts, technical architectures, and engineering organizational structures
- Experience partnering with senior engineering leadership in fast-paced or high-growth environments
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex searches simultaneously while maintaining strong hiring outcomes
- Strong sourcing and market-mapping capabilities across highly competitive technical domains
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and operational execution skills
- Experience using ATS systems, sourcing platforms, and recruiting analytics to drive decisions and pipeline visibility
- Ability to operate strategically while remaining highly execution-oriented
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Shield AI Waltham, Massachusetts, USA Office
500 Totten Pond Road, Waltham, MA, United States, 02451
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