Autonomy Systems Engineer - UAV Platform Architect

Shield AI; San Diego (TX); On-site; USD 144,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to design, develop, and integrate autonomous aircraft systems for a next-gen UAS program. You will lead system architecture across avionics, autonomy, propulsion, and sensors, ensuring mission-ready performance in contested environments.

The role requires MBSE proficiency, DoD familiarity, and cross-functional leadership to drive system integration, flight testing, and field deployment with a fast-paced, agile team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of systems engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or autonomous aircraft.
• Proven ability to define system behavior logic and operational modes.
• Strong expertise in system architecture, avionics integration, and autonomy-driven flight systems.
• Experience with DoD acquisition processes and MIL-STDs.

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 document system-level behavior, including modes, states, transitions, and fault responses
• Support safety analyses (FHA, FMEA, FTA) by defining behavior under fault conditions
• 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.

Skills

Systems engineering

Aerospace experience

Autonomy systems

MBSE

Tools

SysML

DOORS

CAMEO

MBSE tools

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to design, develop, and integrate autonomous aircraft systems for a next-gen UAS program. You will lead system architecture across avionics, autonomy, propulsion, and sensors, ensuring mission-ready performance in contested environments.

The role requires MBSE proficiency, DoD familiarity, and cross-functional leadership to drive system integration, flight testing, and field deployment with a fast-paced, agile team.