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Senior Staff Engineer, Communications Systems (R5623)

Shield AI· RaptorX – RaptorX Engineering - Meg
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Washington, D.C., Dallas, Texas$170k - $260kFull Time EmployeePosted 7mo ago

About the role

Senior-level role leading design, integration, and optimization of advanced communication systems for Shield AI's next-generation autonomous aircraft, with focus on mission-critical data links, encryption, and secure communications across airborne, sensor, ground, and satellite networks.

Responsibilities

  • 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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
  • Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related 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.
  • Active Secret clearance.
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Skills

Required:RF systemsSATCOMLink-16 / CDLSDRencrypted data transmissionsystem architecture
Last updated Oct 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Shield AI

Autonomy for the world.

Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.

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