Autonomy Systems Engineer - Next-Gen UAS

Shield; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 119,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI in Arlington, VA is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer for the next-gen UAS program to design, develop, and integrate autonomous aircraft systems for national defense, leading system architecture and MBSE activities across avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensors, and mission systems.

You will collaborate with hardware, software, autonomy, flight operations, and manufacturing to define requirements, conduct trade studies, support flight testing, and ensure compliance with DoD and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of systems engineering 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 in MBSE tools (SysML, DOORS, CAMEO).
• Experience with 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.

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.

Skills

System architecture

Avionics integration

Autonomy & flight systems

MBSE

Trade studies

Security clearance

Tools

SysML

DOORS

CAMEO

Job description

Shield AI in Arlington, VA is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer for the next-gen UAS program to design, develop, and integrate autonomous aircraft systems for national defense, leading system architecture and MBSE activities across avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensors, and mission systems.

You will collaborate with hardware, software, autonomy, flight operations, and manufacturing to define requirements, conduct trade studies, support flight testing, and ensure compliance with DoD and