Chief Engineer, Autonomous Flight Systems

Shieldai; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead complex autonomy solutions for unmanned aircraft. You will own system architecture, design, development, risk mitigation, and product quality across Shield AI’s Hivemind Autonomy programs.

The role requires a proven track record in defense tech and leading technical teams to deploy autonomous systems. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years in autonomy/UAS, 7+ years delivering production software, and UK security clearance.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, or similar.
• 10+ years of autonomy/UAS experience.
• 7+ years delivering production-grade software.
• Experience with GNC, robotics stack, and software deployment processes.
• UK security clearance or eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Chief Engineer on Shield AI projects focused on developing and deploying autonomy solutions for unmanned aircraft.
• Lead a team responsible for advancing Hivemind Autonomy and shaping defense autonomy architectures.
• Define and assign technical objectives, make key engineering decisions, and ensure the quality and completeness of all technical deliverables.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight across IRAD initiatives and defense contracts.
• Contribute to government contract proposal writing.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Software processes

Team leadership

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science/EE/ME/AE

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead complex autonomy solutions for unmanned aircraft. You will own system architecture, design, development, risk mitigation, and product quality across Shield AI’s Hivemind Autonomy programs.

The role requires a proven track record in defense tech and leading technical teams to deploy autonomous systems. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years in autonomy/UAS, 7+ years delivering production software, and UK security clearance.