Senior Staff Engineer, Systems (R3928) at Shield AI

United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, DefenseIndustries

Requirements

10+ years of experience in systems engineering for aerospace, defense, or autonomous aircraft systems
Deep expertise in system architecture, avionics integration, and autonomy-driven flight systems
Proficiency in MBSE, DOORS, SysML, CAMEO, or similar system modeling tools for complex systems design and analysis
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 to successful completion
Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile development environment with shifting priorities
Preferred Qualifications
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) for defense applications
Prior experience working with defense primes, DoD stakeholders

Responsibilities

Perform System Architecture & Design: Develop and refine the system architecture for the next gen UAS, ensuring seamless integration of avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensor payloads, and mission systems
Define and Manage System Requirements: Establish top-level requirements, decompose them into subsystems, and maintain traceability across the development lifecycle
Autonomy & AI Integration: Work closely with autonomy and software teams to integrate AI-driven flight control, decision-making, and mission execution capabilities
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Utilize SysML, DOORS, or other MBSE tools to create digital system models, conduct trade studies, and optimize system performance
Risk Management & Trade Studies: Conduct trade studies to evaluate design alternatives, assess technical risks, and ensure the best engineering solutions for mission effectiveness
Stakeholder & Customer Engagement: Work closely with DoD stakeholders, industry partners, and government agencies to align system capabilities with operational requirements
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with hardware, autonomy, software, propulsion, and flight operations teams to drive seamless system integration and rapid development cycles

Skills

Systems Engineering

Model-Based Systems Engineering

System Architecture

Avionics

Autonomy

AI Integration

Propulsion

Sensor Payloads

Requirements Management

Trade Studies

Flight Testing

Aerospace Standards

Shield AI

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

About Shield AI

Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems specifically for the defense industry. The company develops AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communication may not be available. This technology allows for safer and more efficient defense operations. Shield AI differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on advanced AI capabilities and securing significant contracts with government and military clients, such as the multi-billion dollar EWAAC contract. The company's goal is to enhance operational capabilities and safety in military contexts, ultimately aiming to protect lives through its innovative solutions.

San Diego, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2015Year Founded

$772.8MTotal Funding

DEBTCompany Stage

AI & Machine Learning, DefenseIndustries

501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Medical Insurance Coverage

Long Term Disability Insurance

Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA

Employee Assistance Program

Subsidized Gym Membership

Pet Insurance

Competitive Compensation

Retirement Services

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Bereavement Support

Flexible Work Hours

PTO

Paid Holidays

Commuter Benefits

Relaxed Dress Code

Yearly Swag Items

Unlimited Snacks

Bottomless Beverages

Annual Celebrations

Work From Home Benefits

Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors

Risks

Increased competition from companies like Waymo could divert investment from Shield AI.

Geopolitical tensions may challenge the JSW Defence partnership for V-BAT production in India.

Dependency on Palantir's infrastructure may limit Shield AI's operational flexibility.

Differentiation

Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI pilot deployed in combat since 2018.

Strategic partnerships with Palantir and JSW Defence enhance technological capabilities and market reach.

Shield AI's V-BAT drone is selected for a $198 million U.S. Coast Guard contract.

Upsides

Increased demand for autonomous systems in defense boosts Shield AI's market potential.

Successful multi-aircraft autonomous flight tests showcase advanced AI piloting capabilities.

Significant investment in robotics indicates a robust market for Shield AI's offerings.

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