Staff Systems Engineer – UAS Autonomy & Architecture

Shield; United States; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Systems Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of next-generation autonomous aircraft systems for national defense. You will drive system architecture, define requirements, and coordinate across hardware, software, autonomy, flight operations, and manufacturing to deliver a scalable, mission-ready platform able to operate in contested environments.

Your role emphasizes MBSE, safety analyses, and close collaboration with DoD stakeholders to meet

Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience defining system behavior logic and operational modes.
• Deep expertise in system architecture, avionics integration, and autonomy-driven flight systems.
• Proficiency in MBSE, DOORS, SysML, CAMEO, or similar modeling tools.
• Experience with Group 4 or Group 5 UAS, military aircraft, or autonomous airborne platforms.
• Strong background in flight testing, system integration, and performance validation.
• 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 work in a fast-paced, agile development environment with shifting priorities.
• Worked on developmental program from clean sheet to first flight.
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Responsibilities

• Perform System Architecture & Design: Develop and refine the system architecture for the next gen UAS, ensuring seamless integration of avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensor payloads, and mission systems.
• Define and document system-level behavior, including modes, states, transitions, and fault responses
• Support safety analyses (FHA, FMEA, FTA) by defining behavior under fault conditions
• Define and Manage System Requirements: Establish top-level requirements, decompose them into subsystems, and maintain traceability across the development lifecycle.
• Autonomy & AI Integration: Work closely with autonomy and software teams to integrate AI-driven flight control, decision-making, and mission execution capabilities.
• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Utilize SysML, DOORS, or other MBSE tools to create digital system models, conduct trade studies, and optimize system performance.
• Risk Management & Trade Studies: Conduct trade studies to evaluate design alternatives, assess technical risks, and ensure the best engineering solutions for mission effectiveness.
• Stakeholder & Customer Engagement: Work closely with DoD stakeholders, industry partners, and government agencies to align system capabilities with operational requirements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with hardware, autonomy, software, propulsion, and flight operations teams to drive seamless system integration and rapid development cycles.

Skills

System architecture

Autonomy integration

Flight testing

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SysML

DOORS

CAMEO

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Systems Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of next-generation autonomous aircraft systems for national defense. You will drive system architecture, define requirements, and coordinate across hardware, software, autonomy, flight operations, and manufacturing to deliver a scalable, mission-ready platform able to operate in contested environments.

Your role emphasizes MBSE, safety analyses, and close collaboration with DoD stakeholders to meet