Shield AI · 1 day ago
Staff Engineer, Mission Systems (Avionics & Sensor Integration) (R4015)
Dallas, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$150K/yr - $225K/yr
8+ years expShield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. As a Staff Mission Systems Engineer, you will take a leading role in the integration of avionics and sensors onto aircraft, driving technical decision-making and improving engineering processes to ensure the reliability of aerospace hardware.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
No H1B
Security Clearance Required
Responsibilities
Architect, design, integrate, and validate avionics and mission sensors and payloads for V-BAT —from concept through production & deployment
Work directly with operators, mission SMEs, and internal stakeholders to understand user needs and prioritize system features and capabilities
Drive 0→1 development: take loosely defined mission problems, propose solutions, prototype quickly, iterate with flight test data, and mature systems into production-ready capabilities
Lead cross functional development: mechanical & electrical design, firmware/embedded interfaces, data paths, networking, and onboard software integration
Debug and root-cause complex hardware, software, and integration failures throughout development and flight operations
Lead hands-on bring-up, lab testing, HIL testing, and flight test preparation
Support flight operations with real-time troubleshooting, anomaly resolution, and post-mission data analysis
Use Python, MATLAB, or similar tools to analyze logs, automate tests, and drive informed design decisions
Collaborate with Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Flight Test, and Manufacturing to deliver reliable and maintainable avionics systems
Drive continuous design improvement to increase reliability, robustness, and mission performance
Qualification
Required
8+ years engineering experience with electrical system design, integration, testing, debug, and repair
Demonstrated ability to independently own and deliver complex system integrations with minimal guidance
Expert-level proficiency with schematics, wiring/harness design, test equipment, and hands-on HW/SW debugging
Proven experience taking systems from 0→1 and into fielded operational use
Strong track record of establishing technical standards, improving processes, and elevating the performance of engineering teams
Demonstrated leadership through technical execution, not just oversight—operating as a go-to problem solver on high-impact challenges
Record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others
Preferred
Ownership of major avionics, payload, or mission systems from architecture through field deployment
Experience leading field testing, flight line operations, or hardware-in-the-loop environments
Experience building or improving internal engineering processes, documentation frameworks, or testing standards
Track record of solving ambiguous, first-of-kind engineering problems with hands-on innovation
Active Secret Clearance (or ability to obtain one)
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
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
Company data provided by crunchbase