System Engineer

Shield AI; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer in the United States to lead design, integration, and optimization of advanced data links and secure communications for next‑generation autonomous aircraft.

Responsibilities include defining RF/SATCOM architectures, encryption, and SDR systems, with emphasis on low latency, high reliability, and secure operation in contested environments. DoD compliance experience is highly valued.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in RF communications or mission systems integration for UAVs or military aircraft.
• Strong expertise in RF systems, SATCOM, data links (Link-16, CDL), and sensor integration.
• Proficiency with SDR technologies and secure data transmission.
• Experience writing subsystem specifications and architectures for aerospace.
• Knowledge of MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, and other aerospace data bus standards.
• Experience with classified comms protocols and DoD compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and integration of data links, encryption, and secure communications architectures for the aircraft platform.
• Define system-level requirements for RF, SATCOM, optical, and SDR comms.
• Optimize low-latency, high-bandwidth data transfer and encryption for mission-critical performance.
• Ensure connectivity between aircraft, command centers, and satellite networks for real-time data transmission.
• Develop AI-driven sensor fusion to enhance payload performance in high-threat environments.
• Collaborate with avionics, software, and autonomy teams for robust integration.
• Validate performance via simulation, flight tests, and field deployments.
• Work with DoD stakeholders and compliance teams to ensure mission readiness and cybersecurity standards.

Skills

RF communications

SATCOM

Link-16

SDR

Secure data transmission

Data links

Sensor integration

DoD compliance

Education

Bachelors in EE

Masters in EE/Aerospace

Tools

MIL-STD-1553

ARINC 429

Job description

Shield AI is redefining autonomous aviation with cutting-edge AI and GPS/RF-denied navigation technologies. Now, we’re building a next-generation aircraft like no other—one that will push the boundaries of innovation and performance.

Shield AI is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer to lead the design, integration, and optimization of advanced communication systems for our next-generation autonomous aircraft.

This is a high-impact role where you will be responsible for mission-critical data links, encryption, and secure communications, ensuring seamless interoperability between airborne, sensor, ground, and satellite systems. You will work across sensor fusion, RF systems, SATCOM, and AI-driven data processing to deliver an aircraft capable of operating in contested environments with low latency and high reliability.

What you'll do:

• Lead the development and integration of data links, encryption, and secure communication architectures into the aircraft platform.
• Define system-level requirements and architectures for RF, SATCOM, optical, and software-defined radio (SDR) communication systems.
• Optimize low-latency, high-bandwidth data transfer and encryption to ensure mission-critical performance.
• Ensure seamless connectivity between the aircraft, command centers, and satellite networks, enhancing real-time data transmission and autonomy.
• Develop AI-driven sensor fusion algorithms to enhance payload performance in high-threat environments.
• Collaborate with avionics, software, and autonomy teams to ensure robust and secure system integration.
• Validate performance through simulation, flight testing, and field deployments.
• Work with DoD stakeholders and compliance teams to ensure mission readiness and adherence to cybersecurity standards

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in RF communications or mission systems integration for UAVs or military aircraft.
• Strong expertise in RF systems, satellite communications (SATCOM), tactical data links (Link-16, CDL), and sensor integration.
• Proficiency in software-defined radio (SDR) technologies and secure, encrypted data transmission.
• Experience writing specifications for communications subsystems and architectures.
• Knowledge of MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, and other aerospace data bus standards.
• Experience working with classified communication protocols and DoD compliance.
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with AI-enhanced signal processing and sensor fusion for ISR missions.
• Background in low-observable (stealth) communications architectures.
• Familiarity with electronic warfare (EW) and RF threat mitigation techniques.
• Experience supporting DoD or intelligence community mission operations.
• Active Top Secret clearance or eligible to achieve, as well as SCI eligible.