Senior Staff Engineer, Communications Systems (R5623)

The role

You will lead the design, integration and optimization of communication systems for next-generation autonomous aircraft. The work covers data links, encryption, SATCOM and secure connectivity between aircraft, command centers and satellites.

What you will do

• Lead development and integration of data links, encryption and secure communication architectures into the aircraft platform.
• Define system-level requirements and architectures for RF, SATCOM, optical and software-defined radio systems.
• Optimize low-latency, high-bandwidth data transfer and encryption for mission-critical performance.
• Ensure connectivity between the aircraft, command centers and satellite networks.
• Develop AI-driven sensor fusion algorithms to improve payload performance in high-threat environments.
• Collaborate with avionics, software and autonomy teams on secure system integration.
• Validate performance through simulation, flight testing and field deployments.
• Work with DoD stakeholders and compliance teams on mission readiness and cybersecurity standards.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• Typically a minimum of 10 years of related experience in RF communications or mission systems integration for UAVs or military aircraft.
• Strong expertise in RF systems, satellite communications (SATCOM), tactical data links (Link-16, CDL) and sensor integration.
• Proficiency in software-defined radio (SDR) technologies and secure, encrypted data transmission.
• Experience writing specifications for communications subsystems and architectures.
• Knowledge of MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429 and other aerospace data bus standards.
• Experience with classified communication protocols and DoD compliance.
• Active Secret clearance.

Nice to have

• Experience with AI-enhanced signal processing and sensor fusion for ISR missions.
• Background in low-observable (stealth) communications architectures.
• Familiarity with electronic warfare (EW) and RF threat mitigation techniques.
• Experience supporting DoD or intelligence community mission operations.
• Active Top Secret clearance or eligible to achieve, and SCI eligible.

Benefits

• Bonus.
• Benefits.
• Equity (full-time regular employees).
• Temporary benefits package after 60 days of employment (temporary employees).

Before you apply

• An active Secret clearance is required.
• Offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
• Ability to obtain an S//SAR level security clearance is desired.
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.