Lead architecture, requirements, behavior modeling, safety analysis, CONOPs, integration, and testing for a launch and recovery vehicle supporting autonomous UAS operations. Integrate avionics, hydraulics, power, navigation, mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces while coordinating cross-functional teams, DoD stakeholders, and industry partners. Define transport, deployment, field operations, and sustainment concepts for a mission-ready system.
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
As a Staff Systems Engineer on Shield AI's next gen UAS program, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and integrating the Launch & Recovery Vehicle (LRV), the system that transports, deploys, launches, and recovers our autonomous aircraft in a variety of environments. You will lead the technical execution of system architecture, ensuring seamless integration of avionics, hydraulics, electrical power distribution, navigation, and the mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces to the aircraft.
You will work with the air vehicle’s propulsion, hardware, software, flight operations, and manufacturing teams to deliver a mobile, mission-ready LRV that works as part of the full UAS platform. You will also help shape how the system is transported, emplaced, and operated in the field. That means developing CONOPs that set deployment timelines, crew roles, logistics footprint, and how the system survives in the field.
Required qualifications:
- System Architecture & Design: Develop and refine the LRV architecture, integrating avionics, hydraulics, electrical power distribution, navigation, and launch and recovery mechanisms into one vehicle that works reliably.
- System Behavior & Safety: Define and document LRV modes, states, transitions, and fault responses for transport, emplacement, launch, recovery, and stow. Support safety analyses (FHA, FMEA, FTA) by defining behavior under fault conditions.
- Requirements Management: Establish top-level LRV requirements, break them down into subsystem requirements, and maintain traceability across the development lifecycle.
- CONOPs Development: Develop transportation and deployment CONOPs that cover road, air, and ship transportability, rapid relocation, crew workload, and sustainment. Turn these operational needs into system requirements.
- Trade Studies & Risk Management: Conduct trade studies to evaluate design alternatives, assess technical risks, and ensure the best engineering solutions for mission effectiveness.
- Integration & Test: Support LRV integration, ground testing, and verification, and support combined LRV and aircraft testing through flight test and operational deployment.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Work with DoD stakeholders, end users, and industry partners to align LRV capabilities and CONOPs with operational requirements.
Required qualifications:
- Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree
- Demonstrated experience defining system architecture, behavior logic, and operational modes for complex electromechanical systems
- Experience integrating avionics, hydraulic systems, electrical power distribution, and navigation on vehicles, launch and recovery systems, or ground support equipment
- Proficiency in MBSE tools such as SysML, Cameo, DOORS, or similar
- Experience developing or applying CONOPs, including transportability, deployment, and field operations considerations
- Strong background in system integration, test, and performance validation, ideally on a program taken from clean sheet to first operation
- Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and relevant standards (e.g., MIL-STD-882, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-1366, MIL-STD-1472)
- 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
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with launch and recovery systems for Group 4 or Group 5 UAS, catapult or rail launchers, or military tactical vehicles
- Experience with expeditionary or distributed operations concepts and their logistics and sustainment needs
- Familiarity with modular open system architectures (MOSA) and Government Reference Architectures (GRA)
- Prior experience working with defense primes, DoD stakeholders, or government R&D programs
- Active Secret or Top Secret clearance
San Diego, CA/Washington, D.C./Dallas, TX pay range: $170,000 - $260,000
Seattle, WA pay range: $210,000 - $310,000
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to 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. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
###
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Shield AI Waltham, Massachusetts, USA Office
500 Totten Pond Road, Waltham, MA, United States, 02451
Similar Jobs at Shield AI
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
Lead avionics architecture, requirements, system behavior, safety, interface management, navigation, communications, and hardware/software integration for autonomous UAS platforms. Define MBSE models, conduct trade studies, integrate avionics data buses and sensor systems, support flight testing and validation, and ensure compliance with military and aviation standards. Collaborate with autonomy, software, hardware, manufacturing, flight operations, suppliers, and DoD stakeholders from clean-sheet development through first flight and deployment.
Top Skills:
Arinc 429Assured PntAvionics SystemsCameoCanDo-178CDo-254DoorsEthernetFaceFhaFmeaFtaGps/InsHivemindMbseMil-Hdbk-516CMil-Std-1553Mil-Std-461Mil-Std-704Mil-Std-810MosaSosaSysmlUas
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
Performs organizational-level maintenance on V-BAT unmanned aircraft systems and ground support equipment. Inspects, troubleshoots, repairs, and documents aircraft systems and components; constructs wiring harnesses and performs soldering. Follows technical manuals, engineering drawings, safety procedures, and quality requirements. Collaborates with engineering, quality, production, flight operations, supply chain, and field support teams while supporting maintenance documentation and process improvements.
Top Skills:
Aviation Maintenance ToolsCalipersFeeler GaugesGround Support EquipmentIpc CertificationMicrometersMicrosoft Office SuiteSolderingTorque WrenchesV-Bat Unmanned Aircraft SystemsWiring Harnesses
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
Administer and support Siemens Teamcenter and related PLM environments, including configuration, upgrades, patching, monitoring, troubleshooting, deployments, user support, documentation, and integrations with ERP, MES, and engineering systems. The role also supports multi-tier architectures, automation, system enhancements, vendor coordination, and continuous improvement across production and test environments.
Top Skills:
AzureCatiaErpLinuxMesNxPlmPowershellPythonSiemens TeamcenterSolidworksVMwareWindows
What you need to know about the Boston Tech Scene
Boston is a powerhouse for technology innovation thanks to world-class research universities like MIT and Harvard and a robust pipeline of venture capital investment. Host to the first telephone call and one of the first general-purpose computers ever put into use, Boston is now a hub for biotechnology, robotics and artificial intelligence — though it’s also home to several B2B software giants. So it’s no surprise that the city consistently ranks among the greatest startup ecosystems in the world.
Key Facts About Boston Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 269,000; 9.4% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Toast, Klaviyo, HubSpot, DraftKings
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, software, aerospace
- Funding Landscape: $15.7 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Summit Partners, Volition Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, MassVentures, Highland Capital Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: MIT, Harvard University, Boston College, Tufts University, Boston University, Northeastern University, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, National Bureau of Economic Research, Broad Institute, Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories
