Staff Systems Engineer (R5982)

The role

This role leads the system architecture and integration of an autonomous aircraft platform for a next-generation UAS program. The work covers avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensor payloads and mission systems, with cross-functional teams and DoD stakeholders.

What you will do

• Develop and refine the system architecture for the next gen UAS, integrating avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensor payloads and mission systems
• Define system-level behavior, including modes, states, transitions and fault responses
• Support safety analyses (FHA, FMEA, FTA) by defining behavior under fault conditions
• Establish top-level system requirements, decompose them into subsystems and maintain traceability
• Work with autonomy and software teams to integrate AI-driven flight control and mission execution
• Use model-based systems engineering (SysML, DOORS or similar) to build system models and run trade studies
• Assess technical risks and evaluate design alternatives
• Work with DoD stakeholders, industry partners and government agencies on operational requirements
• Partner with hardware, autonomy, software, propulsion and flight operations teams for system integration
• Support flight testing and operational deployment of the aircraft

Required qualifications

• Typically a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree
• Demonstrated experience defining system behavior logic and operational modes
• Deep expertise in system architecture, avionics integration and autonomy-driven flight systems
• 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 flight testing, system integration and performance validation
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, MIL-STDs, FAA airworthiness certification and airborne system safety standards
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive complex projects
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile environment with shifting priorities
• Experience on a developmental program from clean sheet to first flight
• Ability to obtain an S//SAR level security clearance

Nice to have

• Experience developing AI-driven autonomy for unmanned aircraft
• Expertise in ISR, EW and advanced sensor integration for airborne platforms
• Familiarity with modular open system architectures (MOSA) and Government Reference Architectures (GRA)
• Prior experience with defense primes, DoD stakeholders or government R&D programs
• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance, or ability to obtain one

Benefits

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

Before you apply

• Offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• An S//SAR level security clearance is desired
• Pay depends on skill set, experience, licences and certifications, and work location

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.