Senior UxS Systems Integration Architect

Shield AI; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a senior UxS Integration and Systems Expert to ensure Hivemind can be developed, tested, demonstrated, and supported on representative unmanned systems. You will lead integration efforts across autonomy software, hardware, flight controllers, and field operations, providing senior technical judgment and clear recommendations.

You will collaborate with engineering, test, product, operations, and customers to define readiness criteria, evaluate platforms, and drive practical

Qualifications

• 10+ years in UxS/UAS systems integration and hands-on roles.
• Proven leadership across hardware, software, and test environments.
• Experience with unmanned systems, flight controllers, radios, sensors, ground stations, and test equipment.
• Linux, embedded systems, networking, data collection, logs, and field diagnostics.
• Experience with PX4/ArduPilot/MAVLink/Pixhawk/QGroundControl.
• Ability to develop test plans, readiness criteria, and post-test findings for cross-functional audiences.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills across cross-disciplinary issues.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead Hivemind integration and test readiness across unmanned aircraft, robotic systems, and ground equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering, test, product, operations, field, and customers to evaluate platforms for Hivemind development and demonstrations.
• Guide transitions from benchtop integration to field demonstrations and operational readiness.
• Provide senior judgment on platform suitability, risk, safety, and customer value.
• Define readiness criteria and handoff points for representative hardware used by Hivemind teams.
• Mentor engineers and operators on systems integration and field troubleshooting.
• Contribute to test methods, metrics, and evidence practices for confidence in Hivemind behavior.
• Support automation, data-review, and repeatability of hardware-based testing.

Skills

UxS integration

Technical leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Flight-test operations

Linux & embedded systems

Autonomy hardware integration

Scripting (Python/Bash)

Security clearance readiness

Tools

PX4

ArduPilot

MAVLink

Pixhawk/Cube

QGroundControl

Job description

Shield AI seeks a senior UxS Integration and Systems Expert to ensure Hivemind can be developed, tested, demonstrated, and supported on representative unmanned systems. You will lead integration efforts across autonomy software, hardware, flight controllers, and field operations, providing senior technical judgment and clear recommendations.

You will collaborate with engineering, test, product, operations, and customers to define readiness criteria, evaluate platforms, and drive practical