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Staff Systems Engineer (R5982)

Shield AI· X-BAT Division – X-BAT Engineering - System Engineering & Integrated Test
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Hybrid (Multiple U.S. locations)$144k - $210kFull Time EmployeePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Staff Systems Engineer role focused on designing, developing, and integrating autonomous UAS systems for national defense. Lead system architecture, MBSE, and cross-functional integration across avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensors, and mission systems, with engagement to DoD stakeholders and flight testing.

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.

Qualifications

  • Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree
  • Demonstrated 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 system modeling tools for complex systems design and analysis.
  • 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.

Skills

Required:System architecture

Benefits

  • Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
  • Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including 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.
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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