Lead Avionics Systems Engineer, UAS Autonomy

Shield; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Systems Engineer to design and integrate the avionics for the next generation UAS. You will own the avionics architecture, integrate flight computers, navigation, data links, sensors, and propulsion with autonomy and mission systems.

You will lead MBSE efforts, perform trade studies, ensure MIL-STD compliance, and support flight testing and deployment. A strong DoD-focused background and security clearance are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Typically requires 7+ years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree.
• Proven ability to define system behavior, operational modes, and fault management.
• Deep avionics architecture expertise across flight computers, navigation, datalinks.
• MBSE experience with DOORS/SysML/Cameo or similar tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine avionics architecture for next gen UAS.
• Define safety-related behavior, fault tolerance, and FHA/FTA.
• Establish top-level requirements and ICDs with traceability.
• Define nav architectures (GPS/INS) and comms for contested ops.
• Lead integration of avionics hardware and data buses.
• Collaborate with autonomy, software, and DoD stakeholders.

Skills

System architecture

Avionics integration

MBSE

Lead cross-functional teams

Safety analyses

Requirements management

Flight testing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

DOORS

SysML

Cameo

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Systems Engineer to design and integrate the avionics for the next generation UAS. You will own the avionics architecture, integrate flight computers, navigation, data links, sensors, and propulsion with autonomy and mission systems.

You will lead MBSE efforts, perform trade studies, ensure MIL-STD compliance, and support flight testing and deployment. A strong DoD-focused background and security clearance are highly valued.