Embedded Engineering Spring 2026 Co-Op (Boston, MA)

Shield AI is seeking an exceptional Co-op candidate to join the team in building our autonomous aircraft. You will join a team of highly talented cross-functional engineers that exhibit a culture of mentorship, kindness, ownership, and hard work. The start date and duration of the Co-op are flexible.

The Embedded Software team is focused on developing complex avionics software that merges hardware, operating systems and applications for cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). Embedded Software engineers work with customer programs, electrical engineers, Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC) engineers, systems engineers, test engineers and the Autonomy AI team to design and develop software systems which utilize modern aerospace sensors, state-of-the-art UAV avionics, and groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence applications.

What you'll do:

You will be given ownership of a project that is tailored to the start date, duration, and location of your Co-op.

You will be partnered with a senior engineer as mentor and guide for technical input and professional development.

Develop high-quality C/C++ code

Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews

Integrate software from multiple departments to include firmware, software test and verification, Autonomy AI, and Ground Control Stations (GCS)

Develop software systems to implement and integrate interfaces to modern avionics sensors, sub-systems, and payloads

Facilitate the design process for updates to the software system architecture

Required Qualifications:

Typically requires a minimum of 2 years of coursework towards a degree in a related field (Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineer)

Strong C/C++ background

Experience in bare-metal firmware development for embedded systems

Experience in a collaborative development environment, focused on continuous integration/delivery & unit testing to assure software quality

Familiarity with common version control (git) and build systems (CMake, or similar)

Demonstrated record of working hard, strong communication skills, being a trustworthy teammate, and being kind to others