Lead Systems Engineer - Autonomous UAS

Shield AI; San Diego (TX); On-site; USD 144,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Systems Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of next-gen autonomous aircraft systems for a national defense UAS program. You will drive system architecture, ensuring seamless avionics, autonomy, propulsion, and sensor integration to deliver a scalable, mission-ready platform.

You will collaborate across hardware, software, autonomy, flight operations, and manufacturing, applying model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and standards compliance to

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in systems engineering for aerospace, defense, or autonomous aircraft systems.
• Demonstrated experience defining system behavior logic and operational modes
• Deep expertise in system architecture, avionics integration, and autonomy-driven flight systems.
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, MIL-STDs, FAA airworthiness certification, and airborne system safety standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive complex projects to successful completion.
• Ability to obtain a S/SAR level security clearance desired.

Responsibilities

• Design and refine the system architecture for the next gen UAS with seamless avionics and autonomy integration.
• Define and document system-level behavior, states, transitions, and fault responses.
• Support safety analyses (FHA, FMEA, FTA) by defining behavior under fault conditions.
• Define and manage system requirements and maintain traceability across the development lifecycle.
• Integrate AI-driven flight control and mission execution with autonomy/software teams.
• Utilize MBSE tools to create digital system models and perform trade studies.
• Conduct risk and trade studies to ensure optimal design choices for mission effectiveness.
• Engage with DoD stakeholders and government agencies to align capabilities with needs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, autonomy, software, propulsion, and flight operations teams.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

System-level thinking

Flight systems

Tools

MBSE

DOORS

SysML

CAMEO

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Systems Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of next-gen autonomous aircraft systems for a national defense UAS program. You will drive system architecture, ensuring seamless avionics, autonomy, propulsion, and sensor integration to deliver a scalable, mission-ready platform.

You will collaborate across hardware, software, autonomy, flight operations, and manufacturing, applying model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and standards compliance to