Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R4614)

Shield AI; San Diego (TX); On-site; USD 200,319 - 300,479; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead autonomy efforts for unmanned aircraft. You will drive technical direction, define objectives, and ensure high-quality deliverables across DoD and internal programs.

You will lead a 6–20 engineer team, advance Hivemind Autonomy, shape guidance and navigation architectures, and provide technical oversight across IRAD initiatives and government contracts.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in CS/EE/Mechanical/Aerospace engineering.
• 10+ years in autonomy or UAS platforms.
• 7+ years delivering production software with high reliability.
• Understanding of guidance, control and navigation (GNC).
• Understanding of robotics stack (controls, estimation, perception, planning).
• Understanding of software development processes and deployment of software.
• Experience defining technical scope, architectures, ICDs and system design docs.
• Strong scientific problem-solving approach.
• Customer-facing engineering leader for defense and internal programs.
• Contribute to government contract proposals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong leadership, overseeing 6–20 engineers.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Chief Engineer on autonomy projects for unmanned aircraft.
• Lead a team advancing Hivemind Autonomy and shaping DoD architectures.
• Define and assign technical objectives; ensure quality and completeness of deliverables.
• Provide technical leadership across IRAD initiatives and DoD contracts.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Customer-facing

Team management

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Founded in 2015, 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 and V‑BAT and X‑BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia‑Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• 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 Department of Defense (DoD) 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 DoD contracts.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.

$200,319 - $300,479 a year.

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 to equal 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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.