Senior Staff Engineer, LRV Systems

About the role

Shield AI is hiring a Staff Systems Engineer for its next-generation UAS program in Seattle. You will design, develop and integrate the Launch & Recovery Vehicle (LRV), which transports, deploys, launches and recovers autonomous aircraft in a variety of environments. You will lead the technical execution of system architecture and work with propulsion, hardware, software, flight operations and manufacturing teams to deliver a mobile, mission-ready LRV.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and refine the LRV architecture, integrating avionics, hydraulics, electrical power distribution, navigation and launch and recovery mechanisms.
• Define and document LRV modes, states, transitions and fault responses, and support safety analyses (FHA, FMEA, FTA).
• Establish top-level LRV requirements, break them down into subsystem requirements and maintain traceability.
• Develop transportation and deployment CONOPs covering road, air and ship transportability, rapid relocation, crew workload and sustainment.
• Conduct trade studies to evaluate design alternatives and assess technical risks.
• Support LRV integration, ground testing, verification and combined LRV-aircraft flight testing.
• Work with DoD stakeholders, end users and industry partners to align capabilities and CONOPs with operational needs.

Required profile

• Typically 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.
• Experience developing or applying CONOPs, including transportability and deployment.
• Strong background in system integration, test and performance validation, ideally on a program from clean sheet to first operation.
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and standards (e.g., MIL-STD-882, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-1366, MIL-STD-1472).
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, agile environment.
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with launch and recovery systems for Group 4 or 5 UAS, catapult or rail launchers, or military tactical vehicles.
• Experience with expeditionary or distributed operations concepts and their logistics and sustainment.
• Familiarity with MOSA and Government Reference Architectures (GRA).
• Prior experience with defense primes, DoD stakeholders or government R&D programs.
• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance.