Staff Systems Engineer – Next‑Gen UAS

About the role

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Systems Engineer to lead the technical execution of system architecture for its next‑generation unmanned aircraft system (UAS) program. You will design, develop and integrate autonomous aircraft systems that support national defense missions in contested environments.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and refine system architecture for the next‑gen UAS, integrating avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensors and mission systems.
• Define and document system‑level behavior, modes, states, transitions and fault responses, supporting safety analyses (FHA, FMEA, FTA).
• Establish top‑level requirements, decompose them into subsystems and maintain traceability throughout the development lifecycle.
• Collaborate with autonomy and software teams to integrate AI‑driven flight control and decision‑making capabilities.
• Utilize MBSE tools (SysML, DOORS, CAMEO) to create digital models, conduct trade studies and optimize performance.
• Conduct risk assessments and trade studies to evaluate design alternatives and ensure mission effectiveness.
• Engage with DoD stakeholders, industry partners and government agencies to align capabilities with operational requirements.

Required profile

• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree.
• Proven experience defining system behavior logic, operational modes and avionics integration for autonomous flight systems.
• Strong expertise in MBSE tools such as SysML, DOORS or CAMEO.
• Experience with Group 4 or Group 5 UAS, military aircraft or autonomous airborne platforms.
• Background in flight testing, system integration and performance validation.
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, MIL‑STDs, FAA airworthiness certification and system safety standards.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage complex projects in an agile environment.

Required skills

• SysML
• DOORS
• CAMEO
• Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
• UAS (Group 4/5) integration
• AI‑driven autonomy integration
• Flight testing and system validation
• DoD acquisition and MIL‑STD compliance