Senior Staff Engineer – Communications Systems

About the role

Shield AI is redefining autonomous aviation and is looking for a senior engineer to lead the design and integration of communications systems for its next‑generation autonomous aircraft. The role focuses on mission‑critical data links, encryption and secure connectivity across airborne, ground and satellite networks.

Key responsibilities

• Lead development and integration of data links, encryption, and secure communication architectures into the aircraft platform.
• Define system‑level requirements and architectures for RF, SATCOM, optical and software‑defined radio (SDR) communications.
• Optimize low‑latency, high‑bandwidth data transfer and ensure seamless connectivity between aircraft, command centers and satellite networks.
• Collaborate with avionics, software and autonomy teams to validate performance through simulation, flight testing and field deployments.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in RF communications or mission systems integration for UAVs or military aircraft.
• Active Secret clearance (or ability to obtain S//SAR level).

Required skills

• RF communications and satellite communications (SATCOM).
• Tactical data links such as Link‑16 and CDL.
• Software‑defined radio (SDR) and secure encrypted data transmission.
• Knowledge of aerospace data bus standards MIL‑STD‑1553 and ARINC 429.
• AI‑driven sensor fusion and signal processing for ISR missions.