Senior Staff Engineer, LRV Systems (R6242)

The role

You will lead the technical design and integration of the Launch & Recovery Vehicle (LRV) for Shield AI's next-gen UAS program. The LRV transports, deploys, launches and recovers autonomous aircraft. You will also help define how the system is transported, deployed and operated in the field.

What you will do

• Develop and refine the LRV system architecture, integrating avionics, hydraulics, electrical power, navigation and launch and recovery mechanisms
• Define and document LRV modes, states, transitions and fault responses; support safety analyses (FHA, FMEA, FTA)
• Establish top-level LRV requirements, break them into subsystem requirements and maintain traceability
• Develop transportation and deployment CONOPs covering road, air and ship transport, relocation, crew workload and sustainment
• Conduct trade studies and assess technical risks
• Support LRV integration, ground testing, verification, flight test and operational deployment
• Work with DoD stakeholders, end users and industry partners to align capabilities with operational requirements
• Lead cross-functional teams with the air vehicle propulsion, hardware, software, flight operations and manufacturing teams

Required qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree (typical)
• Demonstrated experience defining system architecture, behavior logic and operational modes for complex electromechanical systems
• Experience integrating avionics, hydraulics, electrical power and navigation on vehicles, launch and recovery systems or ground support equipment
• Proficiency in MBSE tools such as SysML, Cameo, DOORS or similar
• Experience developing or applying CONOPs, including transportability, deployment and field operations
• Strong background in system integration, test and performance validation, ideally from clean sheet to first operation
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and standards (MIL-STD-882, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-1366, MIL-STD-1472)
• 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 launch and recovery systems for Group 4 or Group 5 UAS, catapult or rail launchers, or military tactical vehicles
• Experience with expeditionary or distributed operations concepts and their logistics and sustainment needs
• Familiarity with modular open system architectures (MOSA) and Government Reference Architectures (GRA)
• Prior experience working with defense primes, DoD stakeholders or government R&D programs
• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance

Benefits

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

Before you apply

• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• Ability to obtain an S//SAR level security clearance is required
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits
• Pay depends on skill set, experience, licenses 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.