Chief Engineer, CCA

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 a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BATaircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. For more information, visit www.shield.ai.

Job Description:

The Chief Engineer at Shield AI is responsible for solving complex technical challenges in deploying advanced autonomy solutions across collaborative combat aircraft programs.

As the chief authority on system architecture, design, development, risk mitigation, and product quality, the Chief Engineer ensures the successful integration of Hivemind Autonomy across a range of aircraft.

This role is part of the Hivemind Solutions organization and leads a team of team of engineers to deliver cutting-edge autonomous capabilities for business-to-business and defense contracts. The ideal candidate has defense industry experience as a Chief Engineer and a proven track record of leading technical teams to develop and deploy autonomous systems.

• 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 both Internal Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives and defense contracts.
• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree
• 10+ years of industry experience in autonomy and/or UAS platforms (e.g., defense tech, self-driving car, etc.)
• 7+ years of delivering software into production/certifiable environments with high-reliability
• Understanding of guidance, control and navigation (GNC) (e.g. controls, estimation, planning)
• Understanding of robotics stack (e.g., controls, estimation, perception, planning, etc.)
• Understanding of software development processes and how to effectively deploy software
• Experience defining technical scope and managing technical requirements, product architectures, ICDs and other system level design documentation
• Demonstrate problem solving skills by applying a scientific technical approach
• Customer-facing engineering leader supporting both defense and internally funded development programs
• Contribute to government contract proposal writing
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent leadership skills, driving a team of 6-20 engineers
• UK security clearance

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed toequal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.