Director, Mission Systems: Autonomous Aircraft Innovator

Shield; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 230,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in Arlington, VA, seeks a Director of Mission Systems to lead a multidisciplinary team spanning communications and integrated mission systems for next‑generation autonomous aircraft.

You will establish the organization’s technical and business strategy, align investments with program goals, and oversee execution from concept development through flight test, fielding, and sustainment, while engaging DoD customers and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or related technical field.
• 10+ years in aerospace/defense or autonomous systems programs.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations with senior leaders.
• Clearance: U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain Top Secret.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary organization spanning communications and mission systems.
• Define technical strategy, roadmaps, and investment priorities aligned with program goals.
• Oversee system architectures including sensors, avionics, payloads, autonomy, and survivability.
• Direct modeling, simulation, wargaming, and analyses of mission effectiveness and design alternatives.
• Lead cross‑functional trade studies balancing capability, risk, cost, and schedule.
• Ensure disciplined execution from requirements through flight test and fielding.
• Partner with engineering, product, program management, and DoD leaders to deliver capabilities.
• Engage DoD customers and government stakeholders to shape requirements and demonstrate value.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

Staff development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/science/mathematics

Master’s or PhD preferred

Job description

Shield AI in Arlington, VA, seeks a Director of Mission Systems to lead a multidisciplinary team spanning communications and integrated mission systems for next‑generation autonomous aircraft.

You will establish the organization’s technical and business strategy, align investments with program goals, and oversee execution from concept development through flight test, fielding, and sustainment, while engaging DoD customers and stakeholders.