Senior Systems Engineer (R6455)

Shield AI • Seattle, WA

16d

About The Position

As a Senior Systems Engineer on Shield AI’s next-generation UAS program, you will help design, develop, and integrate autonomous aircraft systems for national defense. You will lead technical execution of system architecture and integration across avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensor payloads, and mission-critical systems. The role works cross-functionally with hardware, software, autonomy, flight operations, and manufacturing teams to develop a scalable, mission-ready platform for contested environments.

You will define system requirements and architectures using model-based systems engineering, conduct trade studies, support compliance with military and aviation standards, and contribute to flight testing and operational deployment. The role also includes defining system-level behavior—including modes, states, transitions, and fault responses—and supporting safety analyses.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of systems engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or autonomous aircraft systems.
• Demonstrated experience defining system behavior logic and operational modes.
• Deep expertise in system architecture, avionics integration, and autonomy-driven flight systems.
• Proficiency with MBSE, DOORS, SysML, CAMEO, or similar system modeling tools for complex systems design and analysis.
• Experience with Group 4 or Group 5 UAS, military aircraft, or autonomous airborne platforms.
• Strong background in flight testing, system integration, and performance validation.
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, MIL-STDs, FAA airworthiness certification, and airborne system safety standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive complex projects to completion.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile development environment with shifting priorities.
• Experience working on a developmental program from clean sheet to first flight.

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing AI-driven autonomy for unmanned aircraft.
• Expertise in ISR, EW, and advanced sensor integration for airborne platforms.
• Familiarity with modular open system architectures (MOSA) and Government Reference Architectures (GRA) for defense applications.
• Prior experience working with defense primes, DoD stakeholders, or government R&D programs.
• Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine system architecture for the next-generation UAS, integrating avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensor payloads, and mission systems.
• Define and document system-level behavior, including modes, states, transitions, and fault responses.
• Support safety analyses, including FHA, FMEA, and FTA, by defining behavior under fault conditions.
• Establish top-level system requirements, decompose them into subsystem requirements, and maintain traceability throughout the development lifecycle.
• Work with autonomy and software teams to integrate AI-driven flight control, decision-making, and mission execution capabilities.
• Use MBSE tools to create digital system models, conduct trade studies, and optimize system performance.
• Evaluate design alternatives, assess technical risks, and identify engineering solutions that support mission effectiveness.
• Engage with DoD stakeholders, industry partners, and government agencies to align system capabilities with operational requirements.
• Collaborate with hardware, autonomy, software, propulsion, and flight operations teams to support system integration and rapid development.
• Support flight testing, system integration, performance validation, and operational deployment.

Benefits

• Bonus and equity are included in the full-time regular employee offer package.
• Benefits are included in the full-time regular employee offer package.
• Temporary employees may receive a temporary benefits package after 60 days of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed