Head of Autonomy Engineering (UAS) — Equity

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

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.