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Senior Staff Engineer, Avionics Systems (R6238)

Shield AI· X-BAT Division – X-BAT Engineering - System Engineering & Integrated Test
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Hybrid (San Diego, CA), Hybrid (Washington, DC), Hybrid (Dallas, TX), Hybrid (Seattle, WA)$170k - $310kFull Time EmployeePosted 3d ago

About the role

Senior Staff Systems Engineer responsible for designing, developing, and integrating autonomous avionics systems for next-gen UAS programs, leading MBSE-based avionics architecture, requirements, and integration across flight computers, navigation, data links, sensor payloads, and autonomy.

Responsibilities

  • System Architecture & Design: Develop and refine the avionics architecture for the next gen UAS, covering flight and mission computers, data networks, navigation, communications, sensor payloads, and their interfaces with autonomy and propulsion.
  • System Behavior & Safety: Define and document system-level behavior, including modes, states, transitions, redundancy management, and fault detection, isolation, and recovery. Support safety analyses (FHA, FMEA, FTA) by defining behavior under fault conditions.
  • Requirements & Interface Management: Establish top-level requirements, break them down into avionics subsystem requirements, and own the interface control documents (ICDs), keeping them traceable across the development lifecycle.
  • Navigation & Communications: Define navigation architectures, including GPS/INS and alternative navigation for GPS-denied operations. Also define datalink and communications architectures that keep command, control, and mission data reliable in contested environments.
  • Avionics Integration: Lead integration of avionics hardware and data buses (e.g., Ethernet, MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, CAN), thermal, EMI/EMC, and environmental considerations.
  • Autonomy Integration: Work with the autonomy and software teams to ensure the avionics architecture provides the compute, sensor data, and determinism that flight control and mission execution need.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Work with DoD stakeholders, industry partners, and avionics suppliers to align system capabilities with operational requirements.

Qualifications

  • Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree
  • Demonstrated experience defining system behavior logic, operational modes, and redundancy and fault management
  • Deep expertise in avionics architecture and integration, including flight computers, navigation systems, datalinks, and avionics data buses
  • 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 avionics integration, hardware/software integration labs, flight testing, and performance validation
  • Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, airworthiness (MIL-HDBK-516C), and avionics standards (e.g., MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-704, MIL-STD-810, DO-178C, DO-254)
  • Experience on a developmental program from clean sheet to first flight
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, agile environment with shifting priorities
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance

Skills

Required:System architecture and MBSEMBSE toolsAvionics integrationDoD standards knowledgeSafety and reliability analysesClearance eligibility

Benefits

  • Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
  • temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
  • Salary compensation influenced by skills, experience, licenses, and location; background check/possible reference check required
  • Military fellows and part-time employees not eligible for benefits
Last updated Oct 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Shield AI

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

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