Senior Director, V-BAT Engineering & Autonomy

Shieldai; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a Senior Director of Engineering to lead the V-BAT Group 3 UAS program. The role directs flight software, autonomy, GNC, ground systems, aircraft, and payloads for a globally deployed autonomous aircraft.

Candidates should demonstrate deep technical breadth and a proven ability to build and scale fast-changing, mission-driven teams. The ideal candidate will align engineering vision with program roadmap, manage technical and program risk, and partner across executives, suppliers,

Qualifications

• 15+ years of related engineering leadership experience.
• Strong technical background across aerospace/mechanical/electrical disciplines (avionics, propulsion, flight systems).
• Proven track record building and scaling multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering for Group 3 UAS program including flight software, autonomy, GNC, ground systems, payloads and propulsion.
• Define technical strategy, system architecture, and risk management across subsystems and suppliers.
• Attract, hire, and mentor directors, managers, and technical leads to scale the organization.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Aerospace engineering

Mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering

Avionics

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Shield AI seeks a Senior Director of Engineering to lead the V-BAT Group 3 UAS program. The role directs flight software, autonomy, GNC, ground systems, aircraft, and payloads for a globally deployed autonomous aircraft.

Candidates should demonstrate deep technical breadth and a proven ability to build and scale fast-changing, mission-driven teams. The ideal candidate will align engineering vision with program roadmap, manage technical and program risk, and partner across executives, suppliers,