Senior Staff Engineer, Avionics Systems (R6238)

The role

You will lead the technical work on the avionics architecture for Shield AI's next generation UAS program. The work covers flight computers, navigation, communications, sensor payloads and integration with autonomy and propulsion.

What you will do

• Develop and refine the avionics architecture for the next gen UAS
• Define system behavior, modes, redundancy and fault management, and support safety analyses (FHA, FMEA, FTA)
• Establish top-level requirements, avionics subsystem requirements and interface control documents
• Define navigation architectures, including alternative navigation for GPS-denied operations
• Define datalink and communications architectures for contested environments
• Lead avionics hardware and data bus integration, including thermal, EMI/EMC and environmental considerations
• Work with autonomy and software teams on compute, sensor data and determinism needs
• Engage with DoD stakeholders, industry partners and avionics suppliers

Required qualifications

• Typically a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree
• Demonstrated experience defining system behavior logic, operational modes, and redundancy and fault management
• Deep expertise in avionics architecture and integration, including flight computers, navigation systems, datalinks and avionics data buses
• Proficiency in MBSE, DOORS, SysML, Cameo or similar modeling tools
• Experience with Group 4 or Group 5 UAS, military aircraft or autonomous airborne platforms
• Strong background in avionics integration, hardware/software integration labs, flight testing and performance validation
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, airworthiness (MIL-HDBK-516C) and avionics standards (MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-704, MIL-STD-810, DO-178C, DO-254)
• Experience on a developmental program from clean sheet to first flight
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, agile environment
• Ability to obtain an S//SAR level security clearance

Nice to have

• Experience with alternative navigation, assured PNT or GPS-denied navigation solutions
• Expertise in sensor integration for airborne platforms
• Familiarity with MOSA, Government Reference Architectures, SOSA or FACE
• Experience developing or integrating AI-driven autonomy for unmanned aircraft
• Prior experience working with defense primes, DoD stakeholders or government R&D programs
• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance

Benefits

• Bonus
• Benefits
• Equity
• Temporary benefits package for temporary employees (applies after 60 days of employment)

Before you apply

• An S//SAR level security clearance must be obtainable
• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• 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.