Staff Engineer, Safety – X-BAT

About the role

The Safety Engineer for the X‑BAT program will lead the development, integration and verification of system‑level safety requirements for Shield AI’s next‑generation autonomous aircraft. Working closely with the System‑Safety and Airworthiness Lead, you will ensure that safety analyses, hazard tracking and certification evidence meet the highest standards of defense‑grade technology.

Key responsibilities

• Derive, refine and validate safety requirements for the X‑BAT platform and its support systems.
• Apply system‑safety methods such as STPA, SSA, FTA, PHA and FMEA to identify hazards and define mitigation strategies.
• Guide engineering teams in allocating safety requirements and verifying mitigation effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain the safety case, certification evidence, and airworthiness documentation.
• Partner with cybersecurity specialists to create and validate safety‑related cyber requirements.
• Audit and manage the Hazard Tracking System, ensuring traceability and closure of hazards.
• Support mishap and near‑miss investigations, providing system‑level technical context.
• Participate in design reviews, safety working groups and change boards to embed safety early in the design lifecycle.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in systems, aerospace, electrical, mechanical or a related engineering field.
• 5–8+ years of experience in system safety, airworthiness or mission‑critical system engineering.
• Proven experience creating and maintaining hazard logs or tracking systems.
• Strong analytical abilities and technical communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and hold a Secret DoD security clearance.

Required skills

• System safety analysis techniques: STPA, SSA, FTA, PHA, FMEA.
• Knowledge of MIL‑STD‑882, ARP‑4761, STANAG safety frameworks.
• Hazard tracking and requirements management tools.
• Cybersecurity considerations for safety‑critical systems.