Lead Communications Systems Engineer, Autonomous Aircraft

Shield AI; San Diego (TX); On-site; USD 210,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer to lead the design, integration, and optimization of advanced communication systems for our next-generation autonomous aircraft. This high-impact role covers mission-critical data links, encryption, and secure interoperability between airborne, sensor, ground, and satellite networks.

You will work across RF, SATCOM, optical, and SDR domains, collaborate with avionics and autonomy teams, and validate performance through simulation, flight

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/CDL, and sensor integration.
• Proficiency in software-defined radio (SDR) technologies and secure, encrypted data transmission.
• Experience writing specifications for communications subsystems and architectures.
• Knowledge of MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, and other aerospace data bus standards.
• Experience working 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 software-defined radio (SDR) communication systems.
• Optimize low-latency, high-bandwidth data transfer and encryption to ensure mission-critical performance.
• Ensure seamless connectivity between the aircraft, command centers, and satellite networks, enhancing real-time data transmission and autonomy.
• Develop AI-driven sensor fusion algorithms to enhance payload performance in high-threat environments.
• Collaborate with avionics, software, and autonomy teams to ensure robust and secure system integration.
• Validate performance through simulation, flight testing, and field deployments.
• Work with DoD stakeholders and compliance teams to ensure mission readiness and adherence to cybersecurity standards

Skills

RF communications

SATCOM

Link-16

CDL

SDR

Secure data transmission

DoD compliance

Classified protocols

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ARINC 429

MIL-STD-1553

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer to lead the design, integration, and optimization of advanced communication systems for our next-generation autonomous aircraft. This high-impact role covers mission-critical data links, encryption, and secure interoperability between airborne, sensor, ground, and satellite networks.

You will work across RF, SATCOM, optical, and SDR domains, collaborate with avionics and autonomy teams, and validate performance through simulation, flight