Senior Director of Avionics Engineering (R3401)

Shield Ai • Boston, MA

117d • $241,594 - $362,390

About The Position

Shield AI is redefining autonomous aviation with cutting-edge AI and GPS/RF-denied navigation technologies. Now, we're building a next-generation aircraft like no other—one that will push the boundaries of innovation and performance. We're looking for a Senior Director of Avionics to take ownership of all aspects of the avionics system and lead our engineering team from concept to production. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, excel in cross-functional leadership, and are passionate about building high-performance avionics, we want to hear from you.

Requirements

• Proven experience designing and leading complex avionics systems architecture.
• Expertise in distributed computing and avionics data buses (e.g., Ethernet, CAN, ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553).
• Selection/design of mission and flight control computers.
• Experience with real-time embedded systems (RTOS, bare-metal, or Linux-based).
• Knowledge of power distribution for avionics systems (28VDC, high-reliability power supplies).
• Experience with EMI/EMC design and testing (MIL-STD-461).
• Knowledge of DO-178C software lifecycle concepts.
• Experience with avionics middleware (e.g., DDS, ROS 2, custom pub/sub frameworks).
• Understanding of cybersecurity for embedded and avionics systems (air gap, encryption, secure boot).

Nice To Haves

• Technical roadmap planning and architecture evolution.
• Supplier management (technical performance, quality, delivery).
• Cost, schedule, and risk tradeoffs in technical planning.
• Mentorship and team technical upskilling.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of avionics systems across aircraft platforms, from concept through flight test and production.
• Architect and guide the integration of flight computers, mission processors, navigation systems, RF communications, and payload interfaces.
• Develop robust, GPS-/RF-denied navigation solutions integrating INS, visual odometry, radar-aided systems, and other sensors.
• Build and manage a high-performing multi-disciplinary engineering team (EE, embedded SW, RF, systems, test).
• Ensure avionics meet performance, safety, environmental, and EMI/EMC compliance standards, including DO-254, DO-178C, MIL-STD-810, and MIL-STD-461.
• Collaborate across autonomy, software, airframe, and manufacturing teams to ensure cohesive and high-performance system integration.
• Drive technical planning, supplier decisions, and make/buy strategies for avionics subsystems.
• Lead design reviews, system validation, failure analysis, and flight test readiness.

Benefits

• Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
• Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services