Shield AI
Principal Engineer, Software Architect (R4562)
$216K–$323K
Dallas, Texas · On-site · Principal · Full-time · Posted Feb 13, 2026
- Education
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Visa sponsorship
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance is desired.
About the job
Leads the system-wide software architecture for Shield AI’s XBAT airborne aircraft, ground station, and autonomy software, with a focus on safety, security, integration, and assurance.
What you'll do
- Define architecture, technical requirements, standards, and design patterns across XBAT software domains.
- Drive cross-team alignment on interfaces, data flows, fault handling, verification, and risk management; lead technical reviews and architecture governance.
- Maintain architecture artifacts and mentor engineers and architects to strengthen design rigor and assurance practices.
What they ask for
- Deep expertise in software architecture for complex, multi-domain systems, ideally in safety-critical fields.
- Track record designing and delivering production software subject to stringent safety, security, or mission-assurance requirements.
- Systems thinking and experience driving architecture adoption across multiple teams; strong written and verbal communication.
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Nice to have
- Familiarity with aerospace software assurance frameworks or standards.
- Experience integrating autonomy, mission planning, or AI-enabled software into real-world systems.
Pay
USD 215,566–323,350 (base salary, per year)
AI focus
Preferred experience includes integrating AI-enabled software into real-world systems; no specific AI development duties are stated.
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative