Staff Designer, Aircraft GCS (R3822) at Shield AI

Dallas, Texas, United States

Shield AI Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Defense, Aerospace, Autonomous Systems, TechnologyIndustries

Requirements

  • Minimum of 7 years of design, HCI, or related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 4 years of experience; or equivalent experience
  • 3+ years of experience leading end-to-end product design across complex features or products
  • Proven track record designing complex, interactive systems—especially in domains involving spatial data, control interfaces, or high information density
  • Demonstrated expertise in Figma as a primary design tool for creating scalable, system-driven designs
  • Deep experience working within cross-functional teams, synthesizing input from Product Management and Engineering
  • Experience conducting usability testing and integrating user feedback into iterative design cycles
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design rationale and tradeoffs
  • Ability to work efficiently, demonstrating bias for action in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment
  • Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience designing interfaces for real-time control systems (e.g., UAS, robotics, vehicles, or aviation platforms)

Responsibilities

  • Lead design efforts for key GCS capabilities, ensuring user needs are met across the full development lifecycle
  • Collaborate with engineering, autonomy, product, and test teams to gather system constraints and translate them into user-centered design solutions
  • Influence cross-functional planning, roadmap prioritization, and long-term product vision
  • Drive the end-to-end design process—from concept, wireframes, and prototypes to detailed UI specs and implementation support
  • Regularly test and iterate on designs with real users, incorporating feedback to improve usability and mission effectiveness
  • Help define and maintain a coherent visual and interaction language that supports real-time control, situational awareness, and operational trust
  • Advocate for operator experience and usability in high-stakes environments where clarity, speed, and precision are critical
  • Contribute to the evolution of our design systems, tooling, and cross-platform interface strategy
  • Travel to test flights to perform operator research and support the rollout of new GCS features

Skills

UX Design
UI Design
Systems Design
Workflow Design
Spatial Interfaces
User-Centered Design
Prototyping
User Research
Interaction Design
Real-Time UX

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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