Shield AI · 2 days ago
Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R3900)
San Diego, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$200K/yr - $300K/yr
10+ years expShield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The Chief Engineer is responsible for solving complex technical challenges in deploying advanced autonomy solutions on Unmanned Aircraft Systems, leading a team to deliver cutting-edge autonomous capabilities for defense contracts.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
Responsibilities
Serve as the Chief Engineer on Shield AI projects focused on developing and deploying autonomy solutions for unmanned aircraft
Lead a team responsible for advancing Hivemind Autonomy and shaping Department of Defense (DoD) autonomy architectures
Define and assign technical objectives, make key engineering decisions, and ensure the quality and completeness of all technical deliverables
Provide technical leadership and oversight across both Internal Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives and DoD contracts
Qualification
Required
BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree
10+ years of industry experience in autonomy and/or UAS platforms (e.g., defense tech, self-driving car, etc.)
7+ years of delivering software into production/certifiable environments with high-reliability
Understanding of guidance, control and navigation (GNC) (e.g. controls, estimation, planning)
Understanding of robotics stack (e.g., controls, estimation, perception, planning, etc.)
Understanding of software development processes and how to effectively deploy software
Experience defining technical scope and managing technical requirements, product architectures, ICDs and other system level design documentation
Demonstrate problem solving skills by applying a scientific technical approach
Customer-facing engineering leader supporting both defense and internally funded development programs
Contribute to government contract proposal writing
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Excellent leadership skills, driving a team of 6-20 engineers
Benefits
Bonus
Benefits
Equity
Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Company
Shield AI
Shield AI is a deep-tech company that focuses on developing AI-powered systems to enhance the safety of service members and civilians.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Shield AI has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (3)
2021 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.31BKey Investors
Hercules CapitalUS Innovative Technology FundSnowpoint Ventures
2025-03-06Series F· $240M
2023-12-29Debt Financing· $200M
2023-10-31Series F· $300M
Leadership Team
Gary Steele
Chief Executive Officer
Brandon Tseng
Co-Founder
Recent News
2025-12-11
Company data provided by crunchbase