Shield AI · 20 hours ago
Senior Staff Systems Engineer (R3928)
San Diego, CA, US
Full-time, Contract
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
10+ years expShield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The Senior Staff Systems Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and integrating advanced autonomous aircraft systems, ensuring seamless integration of various components and leading cross-functional teams throughout the development lifecycle.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Perform System Architecture & Design: Develop and refine the system architecture for the next gen UAS, ensuring seamless integration of avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensor payloads, and mission systems
Define and Manage System Requirements: Establish top-level requirements, decompose them into subsystems, and maintain traceability across the development lifecycle
Autonomy & AI Integration: Work closely with autonomy and software teams to integrate AI-driven flight control, decision-making, and mission execution capabilities
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Utilize SysML, DOORS, or other MBSE tools to create digital system models, conduct trade studies, and optimize system performance
Risk Management & Trade Studies: Conduct trade studies to evaluate design alternatives, assess technical risks, and ensure the best engineering solutions for mission effectiveness
Stakeholder & Customer Engagement: Work closely with DoD stakeholders, industry partners, and government agencies to align system capabilities with operational requirements
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with hardware, autonomy, software, propulsion, and flight operations teams to drive seamless system integration and rapid development cycles
Qualification
Required
10+ years of experience in systems engineering for aerospace, defense, or autonomous aircraft systems
Deep expertise in system architecture, avionics integration, and autonomy-driven flight systems
Proficiency in 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 successful completion
Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile development environment with shifting priorities
Preferred
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 or Top Secret clearance (or ability to obtain one)
Benefits
Bonus
Benefits
Equity
Company
Shield AI
Shield AI is a deep-tech company that focuses on developing AI-powered systems to enhance the safety of service members and civilians.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.31BKey Investors
Hercules CapitalUS Innovative Technology FundSnowpoint Ventures
2025-03-06Series F· $240M
2023-12-29Debt Financing· $200M
2023-10-31Series F· $300M
Leadership Team
Gary Steele
Chief Executive Officer
Brandon Tseng
Co-Founder
Recent News
2026-01-24
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2026-01-19
Dynamic Business
2026-01-19
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