Shield AI
Senior Systems Engineer (R6455)
Seattle, Washington · Senior · Full-time · Posted Oct 29, 2026
- Experience
- 5+ years; developmental program experience from clean sheet to first flight is also requested.
About the job
Leads systems architecture, requirements, integration, and testing for a next-generation autonomous unmanned aircraft system (UAS) for national defense.
What you'll do
- Develop system architecture and define system behavior, requirements, and traceability; support safety analyses.
- Integrate avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensors, and mission systems; conduct trade studies and manage technical risks.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams and defense stakeholders, supporting flight testing and operational deployment.
What they ask for
- 5+ years of systems engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or autonomous aircraft systems.
- Experience defining system behavior and operational modes; expertise in system architecture, avionics integration, and autonomy-driven flight systems.
- Proficiency with MBSE tools such as DOORS, SysML, or CAMEO; experience with Group 4 or Group 5 UAS, military aircraft, or autonomous airborne platforms.
- Background in flight testing, system integration, performance validation, relevant defense and aviation standards, cross-functional leadership, and taking a developmental program from clean sheet to first flight.
Nice to have
- Experience developing AI-driven autonomy for unmanned aircraft; expertise in ISR, EW, and airborne sensor integration.
- Familiarity with MOSA and GRA; experience with defense primes, DoD stakeholders, or government R&D programs; active Secret clearance or ability to obtain one.
Tools
SysML, DOORS, CAMEO, FHA, FMEA, FTA, MOSA, GRA
AI focus
Integrate AI-driven flight control, decision-making, and mission execution; preferred experience developing AI-driven autonomy for unmanned aircraft.
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative