Staff Systems Engineer, Cyber for Edge Systems (R3683) at Shield AI

San Diego, California, United States

Apply Now

Not SpecifiedCompensation

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

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Defense, Aerospace, AutonomyIndustries

Requirements

7+ years in cybersecurity engineering or architecture
Some knowledge of modern cryptography, secure systems design, and authentication protocols
Experience designing secure architectures for distributed, embedded, or autonomy-related systems
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, static analysis, container security, and SBOM practices
Proven ability to assist with security initiatives across software and infrastructure teams
Experience with risk assessment methodologies and adversarial modeling
Preferred qualifications:
Proficient programming and review skills in C++, Python, Go, and Typescript
Experience in defense, aerospace, or critical infrastructure environments
Knowledge of security certification processes (e.g., RMF, FedRAMP, NIST 800-53, DoD STIGs)
Familiarity with secure boot, TPMs, hardware

Responsibilities

Define and evolve the security architecture across embedded, edge, and cloud components of Shield AI’s autonomy stack
Drive adoption of secure software development practices, including threat modeling, secure code review standards, and automated static/dynamic analysis tooling
Lead the design of cryptographic protocols, identity and access management systems, secure communication layers, and key management infrastructure
Conduct architecture risk assessments and influence design decisions to minimize attack surfaces and improve defense-in-depth
Collaborate with infrastructure, autonomy, and mission software teams to define policies for software update security, telemetry handling, and secure provisioning
Partner with compliance and certification teams to align systems with NIST, FedRAMP, and/or DoD cybersecurity frameworks
Serve as a technical point of contact for external security assessments, penetration testing, and red team exercises

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Systems EngineeringCybersecuritySecurity ArchitectureThreat ModelingSecure Code ReviewStatic AnalysisDynamic AnalysisCryptographic ProtocolsIdentity and Access ManagementKey ManagementSecure CommunicationRisk AssessmentDefense-in-Depth

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the employment type for this Staff Systems Engineer role?

This is a full-time employee position.

Is this Staff Systems Engineer position remote or onsite?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What key skills are required for the Staff Systems Engineer, Cyber role?

The role requires expertise in security architecture design, secure software development practices like threat modeling and code review, cryptographic protocols, identity and access management, and knowledge of NIST, FedRAMP, and DoD cybersecurity frameworks.

What is the company culture like at Shield AI?

Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems, operating with nine offices worldwide and emphasizing cross-functional collaboration between engineering, product, infrastructure, and compliance teams.

What makes a strong candidate for this Staff Systems Engineer position?

Strong candidates will have hands-on technical expertise in embedding security into software lifecycles, designing resilient architectures for autonomy stacks in adversarial environments, and experience leading cross-functional teams to meet compliance standards like NIST and DoD frameworks.

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.

Land your dream remote job 3x faster with AI

Try Jobo Free