Chief Engineer, Space Autonomy & Mission Systems

Shield; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 211,000 - 316,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a Chief Engineer, Autonomy — Space Domain to own the technical vision, system architecture, verification strategy, and lifecycle execution for space-domain autonomy. You will shape mission architectures, ensure risk‑aware design, and drive end‑to‑end autonomy across satellites, hosted payloads, ground systems, and data sources.

The role requires leading multi‑orbit tasking, coordinating with product, mission operations, security, and customers to deliver reliable autonomy in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace engineering, electrical/computer engineering, systems engineering, applied mathematics, robotics, physics, or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in autonomy, space systems, aerospace, robotics, mission systems, ISR, satellite operations, or related fields.
• Experience as a senior technical leader responsible for end-to-end system outcomes and engineering leadership across teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior technical authority for space-domain autonomy, accountable for mission architecture, software/system design, technical execution, product quality, risk and verification.
• Define and evolve an autonomy architecture that supports end-to-end tasking across satellites, hosted payloads, ground systems, and data sources.
• Lead development of autonomous behaviors for multi-constellation/multi-orbit tasking including scheduling, replanning, and resource allocation.
• Architect data processing strategies for latency, bandwidth, and security, including on-board vs. off-board execution.
• Own dissemination standards, interfaces, and delivery of mission products to users and downstream systems.

Skills

Autonomy

Space systems

Leadership

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering

Electrical/Computer Engineering

Systems Engineering

Tools

Embedded systems

Sensor fusion

On-board processing

Job description

Shield AI seeks a Chief Engineer, Autonomy — Space Domain to own the technical vision, system architecture, verification strategy, and lifecycle execution for space-domain autonomy. You will shape mission architectures, ensure risk‑aware design, and drive end‑to‑end autonomy across satellites, hosted payloads, ground systems, and data sources.

The role requires leading multi‑orbit tasking, coordinating with product, mission operations, security, and customers to deliver reliable autonomy in