Staff Engineer, UI (R5832)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Engineer, UI (R5832)

Company: Shield AI

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Software Engineering / UI Development

Date Posted: September 04, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and maintain cutting-edge software solutions for mission-critical defense systems, with a primary focus on UI development and support tools.

• Collaborate within a high-performing engineering team to design, implement, and debug complex software modules, ensuring adherence to company standards and project timelines.

• Translate intricate technical concepts into clear, actionable specifications and documentation for both internal teams and external stakeholders.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of software development processes, fostering innovation and efficiency within the engineering function.

• Leverage strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address intricate challenges in software architecture and application design.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Staff Engineer, UI," the description indicates a broader software engineering role with a focus on UI and support tools. The "Staff Engineer" title, combined with the implied experience level, suggests a need for technical leadership and architectural input beyond just implementation. The role is situated within a defense-tech company, implying a need for robust, reliable, and secure software solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute software development tasks, including the creation of new code and bug fixes, primarily for Mission Systems and associated support tools, under the guidance of the Director of Engineering.

• Manage assigned tasks to meet agreed-upon schedules, proactively identifying and communicating potential delays or failures to engineering leadership.

• Engage in collaborative technical discussions with fellow developers to brainstorm solutions, resolve bugs, and contribute to the architectural design of software applications.

• Design and implement new software modules, as well as maintain and update existing source code, ensuring strict adherence to Shield AI's coding standards and best practices.

• Develop and maintain user interfaces (UIs) using ReactJs, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience for critical defense applications.

• Produce technical documentation, including design specifications and user guides, to support the deployment and maintenance of software products.

• Participate in code reviews to ensure code quality, identify potential issues, and share knowledge with the engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize both individual contribution (writing code, fixing bugs) and collaborative efforts (ad-hoc discussions, design generation). The focus on "Mission Systems and Support tools" suggests that the software developed will have direct operational impact and require a high degree of reliability and performance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Tertiary qualifications in Computer Science or Software Engineering, or an equivalent overseas qualification (e.g., NZCE).

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of relevant professional experience in software engineering, with a strong track record in UI development. Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing new software modules and maintaining existing source code is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in C++ for backend systems and performance-critical components.

• Strong proficiency in JavaScript and modern frontend frameworks, specifically ReactJs, for building dynamic and responsive user interfaces.

• Exceptional analytical and complex problem-solving skills, with the ability to devise effective solutions for challenging technical issues.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a contributing member of a team to achieve project objectives.

• Experience in designing and implementing new software modules and maintaining/updating existing source code, adhering to company standards.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical ideas clearly to diverse audiences, including customers and in technical reports.

• Ability to work reliably and meet project deadlines effectively. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping services such as OpenStreetMaps, ArcGIS, or GeoServer.

• Familiarity with interactive map libraries like Leaflet for integrating mapping functionalities into applications.

• Experience with video processing libraries such as FFmpeg or GStreamer for handling multimedia data.

• Proven experience in frontend UI/UX design, with a focus on creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills heavily emphasize core programming languages (C++, JavaScript) and a specific frontend framework (ReactJs), indicating a need for hands-on coding ability. The preferred skills suggest a specialization in geospatial and multimedia processing, which are highly relevant for defense applications. The "Staff Engineer" title implies a need for strong problem-solving and communication skills, enabling the candidate to mentor others and influence technical direction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least 2-3 significant projects that demonstrate proficiency in C++, JavaScript, and ReactJs, highlighting complex problem-solving scenarios and their resolutions.

• Include examples of UI development that illustrate strong UX/UI design principles and user-centric approaches.

• Provide evidence of experience in designing and implementing new software modules, detailing the architectural decisions and their impact.

• Demonstrate experience in maintaining and updating existing source code, emphasizing code quality, refactoring, and adherence to coding standards.

• If possible, include projects involving GIS mapping services or video processing to align with preferred qualifications. Process Documentation:

• For each project presented, detail the development lifecycle, from initial requirements gathering and design through to implementation, testing, and deployment.

• Clearly articulate the problem-solving methodologies employed, including how complex issues were identified, analyzed, and resolved.

• Document the specific technologies and tools used, explaining the rationale behind their selection and their contribution to project success.

• Present metrics or demonstrable outcomes that quantify the impact of your contributions, such as performance improvements, bug reduction, or enhanced user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Staff Engineer" title and the nature of defense technology, a strong portfolio demonstrating problem-solving, architectural design, and robust implementation is crucial. The emphasis should be on showcasing the ability to handle complex systems and deliver reliable solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Staff Engineer with 5-10 years of experience in Melbourne, Australia, specializing in UI/Software Engineering within the defense technology sector, the estimated salary range is AUD $140,000 - $190,000 per annum. This estimate considers the company's venture-backed status and its mission-driven focus, which often command competitive compensation.

Benefits:

• Bonus: Performance-based bonus structure, reflecting individual and company achievements.

• Equity: Potential for stock options or equity grants, aligning employee success with company growth.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage, potentially including medical, dental, and vision.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contribution to a superannuation fund (Australia's mandatory retirement savings scheme).

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and public holiday entitlements.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and conference attendance.

• Relocation Assistance: May be available for candidates relocating to Melbourne.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours, with potential for some flexibility depending on project needs and team agreements. Adherence to project schedules and deadlines is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on the Staff Engineer title, implied experience level, location (Melbourne, Australia), and the defense-tech industry. Australian salary benchmarks for senior engineering roles in technology are used, adjusted for the specific sector. Benefits are typical for full-time employees in Australia and align with the provided information.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense Technology (specifically, AI-powered autonomous systems for defense). Shield AI operates at the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, and defense, aiming to provide intelligent systems for service members and civilians. This sector demands high levels of precision, reliability, and security.

Company Size: Shield AI is a venture-backed company, indicating it's likely a scale-up or growth-stage organization. This typically means a dynamic environment with rapid development, potential for significant impact, and a culture that values innovation and agility. The company has offices globally.

Founded: Shield AI was founded with a mission to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. This foundational purpose drives its culture, encouraging employees to be mission-oriented and dedicated to impactful work.

Team Structure:

• The engineering team is likely structured to support the development of complex autonomous systems, potentially with specialized sub-teams focusing on AI/ML, software development, hardware integration, and systems engineering.

• The Staff Engineer will report to the Director of Engineering, suggesting a clear hierarchy but also opportunities for direct interaction with leadership.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close work with AI researchers, hardware engineers, product managers, and potentially end-users (military personnel) to ensure the software meets operational requirements. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Emphasis on rigorous data analysis to validate AI models, assess system performance, and inform software design decisions. This includes analyzing operational data, simulation results, and user feedback.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Implementing efficient development workflows and processes to manage the complexity of defense-grade software development. This includes agile methodologies, CI/CD pipelines, and robust testing frameworks.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: Leveraging automation for testing, deployment, and operational tasks to enhance efficiency and reliability. This could involve scripting, infrastructure as code, and automated monitoring solutions.

Company Website: https://shield.ai/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission in defense technology implies a culture that values integrity, precision, and a strong sense of purpose. As a venture-backed entity, Shield AI is likely fast-paced and innovative, attracting engineers who are passionate about cutting-edge technology and its real-world application.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Staff Engineer," which typically signifies a senior individual contributor role. It implies a high level of technical expertise, significant experience (5-10 years implied), and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy. Staff Engineers are expected to lead technical initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to architectural decisions, often influencing the technical direction of projects or teams.

Reporting Structure: The Staff Engineer reports directly to the Director of Engineering. This indicates a direct line of communication with senior leadership, providing visibility into strategic decisions and opportunities to influence engineering direction. It also suggests a collaborative relationship with the Director on task management and project execution.

Operations Impact: The Staff Engineer's work will directly impact the development and functionality of Shield AI's autonomous systems, including Hivemind, V-BAT, and X-BAT aircraft, as well as simulation technologies. This means their contributions have tangible implications for mission success, operational efficiency, and potentially the safety of service members and civilians. The UI development aspect ensures that these complex systems are accessible and usable by their intended operators.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Leadership: Progression into Principal Engineer or Architect roles, leading larger technical initiatives, defining system architecture, and setting technical standards across multiple teams.

• Mentorship and Management: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers, lead technical guilds or working groups, and potentially transition into engineering management roles if desired.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as AI/ML integration, advanced UI/UX for complex systems, or real-time embedded systems development.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain deeper understanding of various facets of defense technology, from AI algorithms to hardware integration and operational deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff Engineer" title is key here, indicating a role that goes beyond typical senior engineer responsibilities, requiring leadership, strategic thinking, and significant impact. Growth opportunities should reflect this senior individual contributor path and potential leadership tracks.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Shield AI operates with an on-site work arrangement in Melbourne. This suggests a traditional office environment designed to foster collaboration, team cohesion, and direct communication. The defense-tech sector often benefits from secure, controlled environments for development.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Specific details about the office's amenities, accessibility (public transport, parking), and proximity to business districts would be beneficial for candidates.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect an office designed to facilitate teamwork, with meeting rooms, common areas, and potentially open-plan workspaces that encourage spontaneous interactions and knowledge sharing among engineers.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to high-performance computing resources, development workstations, and the necessary software licenses for C++, JavaScript, ReactJs, GIS tools, and video processing libraries will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for direct interaction with the engineering team, including UI/UX designers, backend engineers, AI specialists, and the Director of Engineering, supporting a cohesive and productive work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely Monday to Friday, with core business hours. Given the mission-critical nature of defense technology, some flexibility may be expected to meet project deadlines, but the primary arrangement is on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Melbourne points to a need for candidates comfortable with a traditional office setting. The emphasis on collaboration and access to specialized tools is typical for engineering roles in complex technology sectors.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications, assessing alignment with required qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more rounds of technical interviews focusing on C++, JavaScript, ReactJs, problem-solving, and system design. These may include live coding exercises or whiteboard sessions.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to discuss your portfolio, focusing on specific projects, your role, technical challenges, and the impact of your contributions. Be prepared to walk through code examples or architectural diagrams.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Questions will assess your alignment with Shield AI's mission, values, and work culture, focusing on teamwork, communication, and problem-solving approaches.

• Final Interview: Potentially with the Director of Engineering or other senior leaders to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your C++, JavaScript, ReactJs, and UI/UX skills, particularly those involving complex problem-solving or mission-critical applications.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved, your specific contributions, the technologies used, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., performance improvements, user satisfaction metrics, efficiency gains).

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use a clear story structure: Problem -> Solution -> Your Role -> Technologies -> Results.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about your technical decisions, trade-offs considered, and alternative approaches you might have explored.

• Highlight Defense/Mission Relevance (if applicable): If you have experience in defense, aerospace, or similar mission-critical industries, emphasize how your skills translate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Practice algorithm and data structure problems commonly found in software engineering interviews. Focus on C++ and JavaScript.

• System Design: Prepare to discuss how you would design scalable, reliable, and performant systems, particularly for UI-heavy applications or those with complex data handling.

• UI/UX Scenarios: Be ready to discuss UI/UX principles and how you would approach designing user-friendly interfaces for complex applications. Consider how to present complex data effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Staff Engineer role, especially in defense tech, will be rigorous. The portfolio review is critical, requiring candidates to articulate their technical expertise and impact with precision.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Programming Languages: C++, JavaScript (essential), potentially Python for scripting or backend services.

• Frontend Frameworks: ReactJs (core requirement), potentially others for context.

• Version Control: Git (standard).

• Build Tools: Webpack, Babel, npm/yarn for ReactJs development.

• IDE/Editors: VS Code, CLion, or similar professional development environments.

Analytics & Reporting:

• UI/UX Analytics: Tools for tracking user interactions and performance metrics within the UI (e.g., Google Analytics, Hotjar, or custom solutions).

• Performance Monitoring: Tools to monitor application performance, identify bottlenecks, and ensure responsiveness (e.g., Sentry, New Relic, or Prometheus/Grafana).

• Data Visualization: Libraries like D3.js or charting components within ReactJs for displaying data effectively.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management: Tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for task tracking and workflow management.

• CI/CD: Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, or similar for automated build, test, and deployment pipelines.

• Containerization: Docker and Kubernetes may be used for deployment and scaling.

• Cloud Platforms: Potentially AWS, Azure, or GCP for hosting and infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred from the required skills (C++, JavaScript, ReactJs) and preferred qualifications (GIS, video processing). The "Staff Engineer" level suggests familiarity with a broader range of development tools, including version control, build systems, and potentially CI/CD pipelines.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to Shield AI's mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. This value translates to a sense of purpose and dedication in daily work.

• Innovation & Excellence: A culture that encourages pushing technological boundaries, seeking novel solutions, and striving for the highest standards of quality and performance in all engineering endeavors.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively within cross-functional teams, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues to achieve collective goals.

• Integrity & Reliability: A commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and delivering robust, dependable software solutions, particularly critical in the defense sector.

• Continuous Learning: An environment that supports ongoing professional development, encouraging engineers to stay abreast of the latest technologies and methodologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with AI/ML researchers, hardware engineers, product managers, and potentially end-users to ensure software solutions are technically sound and operationally relevant.

• Process Review Culture: Regular opportunities for code reviews, design discussions, and feedback sessions to ensure continuous improvement of both the software and the development processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned through internal presentations, documentation, and informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Shield AI's mission in defense technology strongly influences its culture. Values like mission focus, integrity, and excellence are likely paramount, attracting individuals who are passionate about impactful work and high-stakes engineering.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Defense Systems: Developing software for defense applications involves navigating intricate requirements, stringent security protocols, and the need for extreme reliability and performance.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in AI, autonomy, and software engineering requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Balancing Innovation with Stability: The need to innovate rapidly while ensuring the utmost stability and security of mission-critical systems presents a constant challenge.

• Integrating Diverse Technologies: Effectively integrating UI development with backend systems, AI algorithms, and potentially hardware components requires a broad technical understanding and strong collaboration.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in C++, ReactJs, and explore specialized areas like advanced UI/UX for complex systems, real-time data visualization, or geospatial/video processing.

• Industry Conference and Certification Participation: Opportunities to attend relevant defense-tech, AI, or software engineering conferences, and pursue certifications that enhance professional capabilities.

• Operations Mentorship and Leadership: Benefit from mentorship from senior engineers and leadership, with pathways to take on more significant technical leadership roles and mentor junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the defense-tech industry and the "Staff Engineer" level. Growth opportunities should focus on both technical deepening and leadership development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "How would you approach designing a UI for a system that needs to display real-time sensor data and allow for complex mission planning simultaneously?" (Focus on UI architecture, data visualization, user workflow, and performance considerations).

• Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with engineers from a different discipline (e.g., AI researchers, hardware engineers) to achieve a common goal. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight communication, empathy, and problem-solving).

• Problem-Solving: "Walk us through a challenging bug you encountered in a C++ or ReactJs application. What was your process for diagnosing and resolving it, and what did you learn?" (Demonstrate analytical thinking, debugging methodology, and learning from experience).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Shield AI's mission and our work in defense technology?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with the company's purpose).

• "How do you approach staying current with rapidly evolving technologies in software engineering and AI?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning).

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, potentially high-pressure environment. How do you manage your workload and priorities?" (Assess adaptability and resilience). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose projects that showcase your strongest C++, JavaScript, and ReactJs skills, ideally with a UI/UX focus or complex data handling.

• Narrative Structure: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your specific role and contributions, the technical challenges, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss architectural decisions, trade-offs made, and alternative approaches considered. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the technologies used.

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, mockups, or code snippets (if appropriate and non-confidential) to illustrate your points effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions should probe technical depth, problem-solving capabilities, and cultural fit, with an emphasis on how the candidate can contribute to Shield AI's specific mission and technical environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your C++, JavaScript, ReactJs, and UI/UX development experience, specifically mentioning any relevant defense, aerospace, or complex system development projects.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience level (aiming for 5-10 years of relevant experience), key achievements, and proficiency with the required and preferred technologies. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments.

• Interview Preparation: Practice coding exercises in C++ and JavaScript, and prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on technical challenges, solutions, and impact. Be ready to articulate your understanding of UI/UX principles and system design.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Shield AI's mission, products (Hivemind, V-BAT, X-BAT), and recent news. Understand their role in the defense-tech industry and how your skills can contribute to their objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.