Lead Survivability Engineer: Low-Observable Aircraft

Shield; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is building the most capable autonomous aircraft and seeks a Lead Survivability Engineer to shape the low observable performance of our next‑gen aircraft.

You will design LO features, model electromagnetic signatures with HFSS, CST, Xpatch and SENTRi, and collaborate with propulsion, avionics, structures, and AI to embed survivability from day one. A degree and 7+ years in LO/survivability are required, with RAM experience and US citizenship with clearance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of related LO or survivability engineering experience.
• Proficiency with EM simulation tools (HFSS, CST, Xpatch, SENTRi).
• Strong understanding of RCS shaping, RAM, and materials integration.
• U.S. Citizenship with active Secret clearance; TS/SCI preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize LO features across the airframe focusing on shaping, edge treatments, RAM coatings, and subsystem integration.
• Model electromagnetic signatures using HFSS, CST Studio Suite, Xpatch, and SENTRi.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, structures, and AI teams to bake survivability into the system architecture from day one.
• Lead or support signature testing, including RCS range tests and supplier evaluations.
• Translate mission threats into survivability features addressing RCS, thermal, visual, and acoustic observability constraints.
• Mature radar-absorbing coatings and RAM for manufacturability and field durability.
• Support threat modeling reviews and program milestone decisions.

Skills

Survivability engineering

RCS shaping

EM simulation

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Security clearance

Education

B.S./M.S. in Aerospace or Electrical Engineering or Physics

Tools

HFSS

CST Studio Suite

Xpatch

SENTRi

Job description

Shield AI is building the most capable autonomous aircraft and seeks a Lead Survivability Engineer to shape the low observable performance of our next‑gen aircraft.

You will design LO features, model electromagnetic signatures with HFSS, CST, Xpatch and SENTRi, and collaborate with propulsion, avionics, structures, and AI to embed survivability from day one. A degree and 7+ years in LO/survivability are required, with RAM experience and US citizenship with clearance.