Staff Engineer, Survivability (R5885)

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 a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai . Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn , X , Instagram , and YouTube .

Job Description:

At Shield AI, we're building the most intelligent autonomous aircraft ever deployed. As we push the boundaries of what's possible in contested environments, we are looking for a Lead Survivability Engineer to shape and optimize the low observable (LO) performance of our next-generation autonomous aircraft.

This role is ideal for an experienced engineer with deep expertise in radar cross-section (RCS) shaping, LO materials, and electromagnetic signature modeling who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. You’ll work across disciplines to ensure our aircraft can survive, evade, and complete missions in highly contested airspace.

What you'll do:

• Design and optimize low observable (LO) features across the airframe focusing on shaping, edge treatments, radar-absorbing materials, and subsystem integration.
• Conduct modeling and simulation of electromagnetic signatures using industry-standard tools such as HFSS, CST Studio Suite, Xpatch, and SENTRi.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams in propulsion, avionics, structures, and AI to ensure survivability is baked into the system architecture from day one.
• Lead or support signature testing efforts, including indoor and outdoor RCS range tests, validation campaigns, and supplier-level hardware evaluations.
• Translate mission threats and requirements into survivability features that address RCS, thermal, visual, and acoustic observability constraints.
• Partner with materials scientists to mature radar-absorbing coatings and structural RAM for manufacturability and field durability.
• Support internal and customer assessments, threat modeling reviews, and milestone decisions throughout the program lifecycle.

Required qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience in LO or survivability engineering, preferably on tactical aircraft, UAVs, or stealth systems.
• Proficiency with EM simulation tools such as HFSS, CST, Xpatch, or SENTRi.
• Strong understanding of RCS shaping principles, edge treatments, cavity suppression, and materials integration.
• Practical experience with LO testing methods and RCS measurement equipment.
• Familiarity with radar-absorbing materials (RAM), LO coatings, and structural LO trade studies.
• Solid collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work across design, test, and manufacturing teams.
• U.S. Citizenship and active Secret clearance required (TS/SCI preferred).
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with military UAV platforms or 5th-gen fighter programs.
• Background in survivability analysis in contested environments (e.g., IADS, radar networks).
• Familiarity with platform CONOPS, threat modeling, and mission-level survivability assessments.
• Ability to contribute to the design, test, and fielding of a fully integrated LO platform.

$170,000 - $260,000 a year

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

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.

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.