Senior Staff Engineer, LRV Systems (R6242)

Shield AI•Washington, DC

24d•$170,000 - $310,000

About The Position

As a Staff Systems Engineer on Shield AI's next-generation UAS program, you will lead technical execution of the Launch & Recovery Vehicle (LRV), which transports, deploys, launches, and recovers autonomous aircraft in varied environments. You will develop and refine system architecture and integrate avionics, hydraulics, electrical power distribution, navigation, launch and recovery mechanisms, and the mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces to the aircraft. You will collaborate with the air vehicle propulsion, hardware, software, flight operations, and manufacturing teams to deliver a mobile, mission-ready LRV as part of the full UAS platform. You will also shape how the system is transported, emplaced, and operated in the field, including developing CONOPs for deployment timelines, crew roles, logistics footprint, and field survivability.

Requirements

Typically requires at least 7 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree.
Demonstrated experience defining system architecture, behavior logic, and operational modes for complex electromechanical systems.
Experience integrating avionics, hydraulic systems, electrical power distribution, and navigation on vehicles, launch and recovery systems, or ground support equipment.
Proficiency with MBSE tools such as SysML, Cameo, DOORS, or similar.
Experience developing or applying CONOPs, including transportability, deployment, and field operations considerations.
Strong background in system integration, test, and performance validation, ideally on a program taken from clean sheet to first operation.
Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and relevant standards, such as MIL-STD-882, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-1366, and MIL-STD-1472.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, agile environment with shifting priorities.
Ability to obtain an S//SAR level security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with launch and recovery systems for Group 4 or Group 5 UAS, catapult or rail launchers, or military tactical vehicles.
Experience with expeditionary or distributed operations concepts and their logistics and sustainment needs.
Familiarity with modular open system architectures (MOSA) and Government Reference Architectures (GRA).
Prior experience working with defense primes, DoD stakeholders, or government R&D programs.
Active Secret or Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

Develop and refine the LRV system architecture, integrating avionics, hydraulics, electrical power distribution, navigation, and launch and recovery mechanisms.
Define and document system modes, states, transitions, and fault responses for transport, emplacement, launch, recovery, and stow; support safety analyses by defining behavior under fault conditions.
Establish top-level LRV requirements, decompose them into subsystem requirements, and maintain traceability throughout the development lifecycle.
Develop transportation and deployment CONOPs that address road, air, and ship transportability, rapid relocation, crew workload, and sustainment; translate operational needs into system requirements.
Conduct trade studies, evaluate design alternatives, assess technical risks, and select engineering solutions that support mission effectiveness.
Support LRV integration, ground testing, and verification, as well as combined LRV and aircraft testing through flight test and operational deployment.
Work with DoD stakeholders, end users, and industry partners to align LRV capabilities and CONOPs with operational requirements.
Collaborate with propulsion, hardware, software, flight operations, and manufacturing teams to deliver an integrated LRV and UAS platform.