← Shield AI 
Shield AI · Hiring
Summer 2027 - Software Engineer Intern
San Diego, CaliforniaOnsiteIntern$37 – $97 per hour
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.
Our Summer Internship program is a wonderful opportunity for Fall and Spring graduates to immerse themselves in an innovative and mission driven culture. Our 10-week paid internship program will provide you with hands on mentorship, an opportunity to add real contribution to our company via your internship project, and a possible job offer at the end. You will have the chance to make lifelong friendships, expand your network, and learn all about what it's like to work in a high-growth, fast scaling tech unicorn. You'll take part in company sponsored events and enjoy exploring a new city. Read on below to learn more about this unique internship!
About the Role
Shield AI's Software Development Engineer Intern program spans engineers who design, build, and test the code that powers our autonomous systems — from user-facing applications and embedded flight software to machine learning models and the underlying systems platforms that tie it all together. Over 10–12 weeks, interns work alongside full-time engineers to analyze requirements, write and debug production-quality code, and ship a real feature or capability using our standard Agile development practices.
Example Intern Projects
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Applications: Build a new feature or internal tool (web, mobile, or desktop) that streamlines a mission-planning or fleet-management workflow.
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Firmware/Embedded: Develop and debug embedded C/C++ code for a flight controller or sensor module, including bring-up and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
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Machine Learning: Train, evaluate, and integrate a perception or decision-making model (e.g., object detection, sensor fusion) into an autonomy pipeline.
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Systems Development: Extend a platform tool, API, or data pipeline that supports autonomy software, simulation, or cloud infrastructure.
Required Qualifications
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Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
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Proficiency in at least one modern programming language (e.g., C, C++, Python, Java, or JavaScript)
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Solid foundation in data structures, algorithms, and software design principles
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Experience writing, testing, and debugging code, whether through coursework, personal projects, or prior internships
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Familiarity with version control (e.g., Git) and collaborative development workflows
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down ambiguous requirements into working code
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Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Preferred Qualifications
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Exposure to mobile or web application frameworks and full-stack development
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Hands-on experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers, real-time operating systems, or assembly-level debugging
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Coursework or projects involving machine learning, statistics, probability theory, or deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow)
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Experience with cloud platforms, databases, networking, or distributed systems
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Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development methodologies
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Prior internship, research, or club/competition experience in robotics, autonomy, or aerospace applications
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Interest in or exposure to the defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems industry
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Shield AI is proud to offer competitive pay and a housing stipend for qualified hires. While our People Experience team provides resources and assistance, interns are responsible to find their own housing and travel to and from their office location.
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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.