Senior Staff Weapons Integration Engineer (R3929) 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

Proven experience integrating kinetic weapons or air-launched effects into aircraft or unmanned systems (stores management, release systems, or equivalent)
Deep understanding of Stores Management Systems (SMS), release sequencing, weapon control logic, and safety interlocks
Experience producing and negotiating Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and defining software/hardware interfaces
Demonstrated experience with separation modeling, release envelope definition, and payload bay fall-line analysis
Hands-on experience planning and executing flight test campaigns (captive-carry, safe separation, live fire) and writing test/certification plans
Strong systems engineering skills and experience working cross-functionally with avionics, flight controls, aerodynamics, software, and suppliers
Track record of making technical decisions, setting direction, and taking full ownership of technical programs
Excellent written and verbal communication — able to represent technical positions to internal leadership, external partners, and government stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience with military product certification processes and government test ranges
Background in modeling

Responsibilities

Lead the integration of kinetic weapons and air-launched effects into the aircraft and mission systems architecture, ensuring compatibility across physical, electrical, and logical interfaces
Act as the weapon subject matter expert (SME), aligning weapon capability with CONOPS, mission profiles, and operational analysis
Define, own, and verify the Stores Management System (SMS) architecture — including weapon control logic, release sequencing, safety interlocks, and fault handling
Set technical direction and make architecture decisions for weapon control software, separation modeling, and release-envelope definition. Provide clear, defensible tradeoffs and drive alignment across stakeholders
Produce and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs), software requirements, and integration plans in collaboration with internal avionics, flight controls, software, aerodynamics, and structures teams
Coordinate closely with weapon vendors and external suppliers to define integration requirements, prove compatibility, and manage change
Develop detailed test and certification plans; lead planning and execution of captive-carry, safe-separation, and live-fire test campaigns with government and contractor ranges
Define and analyze payload-bay fall-lines, separation dynamics, and release envelopes using physics-based models and verification tools
Own compliance with safety, performance, and mission effectiveness requirements; shepherd the weapon integration lifecycle from concept through flight certification
Mentor engineers, drive best practices for safety and verification, and champion a culture of extreme ownership and technical excellence

Skills

Weapons Integration

Stores Management System

SMS Architecture

Interface Control Documents

ICDs

Avionics

Flight Controls

Aerodynamics

Mission Systems

Flight Test

Certification

Weapon Control Software

Separation Modeling

Safety Interlocks

CONOPS

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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