Staff Engineer, Electrical Failure Analysis (R5616)

Shieldai; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shieldai in Dallas, Texas is seeking a failure analysis engineer to lead investigations on avionics hardware, including PCBAs and connectors. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in failure analysis and reliability, with a strong foundation in electrical engineering.

This role supports the design and troubleshooting of critical electronic systems and offers a vibrant work environment that fosters professional growth and innovation.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in failure analysis, reliability, or hardware debug.
• Strong technical fundamentals and hands-on experience with failure mechanisms.
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality solutions in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead failure analysis investigations for avionics hardware.
• Perform root cause analysis using structured methodologies.
• Collaborate with design engineers to identify vulnerabilities.

Skills

Failure analysis

Root cause analysis

PCBA failure mechanisms

X-ray and microscopy techniques

Electrical engineering basics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Tools

Cross-sectioning tools

Microscopes

X-ray equipment

Job description

Job Description

Shield AI is pioneering AI pilots for aircraft that protect service members and civilians—pushing the boundaries of autonomous flight. V-BAT is designed for deployment in the most demanding, high‑stakes environments.

We are looking for a failure analysis engineer to join our team, focused on the design, integration and troubleshooting of electronics systems critical to our aircraft. This role is perfect for an engineer with a solid foundation in power systems, embedded systems who is eager to grow, own challenging projects, and see their work move rapidly from concept to flight. If you thrive in fast‑paced environments, enjoy solving complex problems, and want to help build the future of autonomous aviation, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Lead failure analysis investigations for avionics hardware, including: PCBAs (digital, analog, power, mixed‑signal), harnesses, connectors, and interconnects
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) using structured methodologies (8D, 5‑Why, Fishbone, Fault Tree, etc.)
• Conduct and/or oversee electrical, mechanical, and environmental failure analysis
• Collaborate with design engineers to identify design vulnerabilities, manufacturing and suppliers on process‑related issues
• Work closely with cross‑functional teams (reliability, mechanical, embedded, software, production, supply chain, etc.)
• Drive design, process, and supplier corrective actions to closure
• Author clear, data‑driven failure analysis reports and present findings to technical and program leadership
• Mentor junior engineers and help establish best practices for failure analysis and reliability

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering; or equivalent work experience
• You have 8+ years of experience in failure analysis, reliability, or hardware debug for aerospace, defense, or high‑reliability electronics
• Strong technical fundamentals
• Experienced with cross‑sectioning, microscopy, X‑ray, and other FA techniques
• Strong hands‑on experience with PCBA failure mechanisms (solder joints, vias, components, PCB materials), harnesses, connectors, crimping, shielding, and interconnect reliability
• Demonstrated track record of extreme ownership, working hard, and delivering outstanding outcomes
• A track record of successfully delivering products and solutions, overcoming obstacles, and delivering high‑quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed expectations in a fast‑paced environment
• Proactively identify opportunities for improvement within organization, demonstrating initiative to propose and implement innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and overall project success and aircraft reliability
• Ability to independently drive investigations from symptom to root cause

Compensation

Full‑time regular employee offer: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity.

Temporary employee offer: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment).

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.