What you'll do:
- Provide technical leadership to the RF team focusing on the VBAT product line.
- Quantify and optimize RF link performance, resolve defense/interference problems.
- Define system level and unit level design requirements and features for all RF systems.
- Improve design, test, and compliance processes for the engineering org. as it related to RF.
- Define test procedures, requirements, and train operators/technicians to execute accordingly.
- Help grow the team, provide hiring input, and mentor teammates.
- Establish and enforce team processes around design, test, review, cross-functional support, and regulatory compliance.
- Regularly communicate with the cross-functional team regarding RF status, risks, needs, plans, etc.
- Provide technical design input/review to your team and other engineering teams.
- Proactively identify opportunities for improvement within hardware development projects, demonstrating initiative to propose and implement innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and overall project success and V-Bat reliability
- Other duties as assigned.
Required qualifications:
- Active U.S. Secret security clearance; Top Secret clearance strongly preferred
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience with RF systems
- Experience working on cross-functional teams involving EE, ME, SW, manufacturing, production, etc.
- Experience with technical mentorship/guidance of other engineers.
- Experience leading design work on the unit level and system level.
- Experience with quantifying and improving RF sensitivity performance.
- Demonstrated track record of assuming ownership over development processes and features and delivering outstanding outcomes.
- Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed client expectations in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
- Knowledge of antenna design and aircraft level radiation performance analysis and simulation, utilizing tools such as CST & ANSYS.
- Experience in RF and Antenna design, antenna coupling analysis for airborne V/UHF, L-band, S-band, GNSS, and MIL-SAT systems.
- Demonstrated RF analysis experiences in frequency planning, RF Co-site, Antenna Coupling, and the production of analysis report.
- Experience with EMI/EMC compliance techniques, with a particular emphasis on optimizing size, weight and power.
- Knowledge of MIL-STD 461 and MIL-STD 464 compliance requirements and test setups.
- RF system, subsystem and printed circuit assembly EMI/EMC simulation, test and mitigation.
- Experience working on cutting-edge autonomous robotic systems
- Proven background in thriving within fast-paced environments, particularly within startup or R&D settings.
- Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and the ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful outcomes.
Skills Required
- Active U.S. Secret security clearance
- Top Secret clearance (strongly preferred)
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent RF systems experience
- Experience working on cross-functional teams (EE, ME, SW, manufacturing, production)
- Experience providing technical mentorship/guidance to other engineers
- Experience leading unit-level and system-level design work
- Experience quantifying and improving RF sensitivity and link performance
- Proven track record of shipping products through development cycles
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance
- Knowledge of antenna design and aircraft-level radiation performance analysis and simulation (CST & ANSYS)
- Experience in RF and antenna design and coupling analysis for airborne V/UHF, L-band, S-band, GNSS, MIL-SAT
- Experience with EMI/EMC compliance techniques and MIL-STD-461 / MIL-STD-464 requirements
- Experience with RF system, subsystem and printed circuit assembly EMI/EMC simulation, testing and mitigation
- Experience working on autonomous robotic systems or in fast-paced R&D/startup environments
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials describe excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside a mental‑health EAP. Site perks such as an onsite gym in DC and a gym discount in San Diego support a health‑focused offering.
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Retirement Support — Careers materials highlight a 401(k) with company match as part of the standard package. A Total Rewards overview emphasizes retirement features within a broader, transparent compensation view.
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Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Compensation for in‑demand technical and senior go‑to‑market roles is described as competitive, with visible engineering ranges and top‑end packages. This points to meaningful upside tied to role, level, and scarce skills.
Shield AI Insights
What We Do
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
Why Work With Us
What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy, and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges, we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software, AI, and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.
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Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.