Lead Communications Systems Engineer – Autonomous Aircraft

Shield AI; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Bonus

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a Communications Systems Engineer to design, integrate, and optimize data links, encryption, and secure communications for next‑generation autonomous aircraft. You will drive system architectures across RF, SATCOM, and SDR, coordinating with avionics and autonomy teams to deliver low-latency, high‑reliability links in contested environments.

You will work on mission-critical data transmission between aircraft, ground, and satellite networks, ensuring secure interoperability while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in RF communications or mission systems integration for UAVs or military aircraft.
• Strong expertise in RF systems, SATCOM, Link-16 and sensor integration.
• Proficiency in SDR technologies and secure, encrypted data transmission.
• Experience writing specifications for communications subsystems and architectures.
• Knowledge of aerospace data bus standards (MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429).
• Experience with classified communication protocols and DoD compliance.
• Active Secret clearance; S//SAR level clearance desired.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and integration of data links, encryption, and secure communication architectures into the aircraft platform.
• Define system-level requirements and architectures for RF, SATCOM, optical, and SDR communication systems.
• Optimize low-latency, high-bandwidth data transfer and encryption for mission-critical performance.
• Ensure seamless connectivity between aircraft, command centers, and satellite networks.
• Develop AI-driven sensor fusion algorithms to enhance payload performance in high-threat environments.
• Collaborate with avionics, software, and autonomy teams for robust system integration.
• Validate performance through simulation, flight testing, and field deployments.
• Coordinate with DoD stakeholders to ensure compliance and mission readiness.

Skills

RF communications

Data links

SATCOM

Link-16

SDR

Secure data transmission

DoD compliance

classified protocols

System integration

ARINC 429

MIL-STD-1553

Education

Electrical or Aerospace Engineering degree

Tools

Software-defined Radio (SDR)

ARINC 429

MIL-STD-1553

Job description

Shield AI seeks a Communications Systems Engineer to design, integrate, and optimize data links, encryption, and secure communications for next‑generation autonomous aircraft. You will drive system architectures across RF, SATCOM, and SDR, coordinating with avionics and autonomy teams to deliver low-latency, high‑reliability links in contested environments.

You will work on mission-critical data transmission between aircraft, ground, and satellite networks, ensuring secure interoperability while