Be an Early Applicant
Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Design end-to-end human-machine interfaces for UAV ground control station software. Create wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes in Figma; apply human factors principles for real-time data visualization, conduct usability testing and simulations, and collaborate with engineers, pilots, and human factors experts to maintain scalable design systems.
Summary Generated by Built In
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
We’re looking for a Human Machine Interface (HMI) Designer to join our team developing next-generation Ground Control Station (GCS) applications for unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This role is ideal for engineers with a strong foundation in real-time, performance-sensitive software who also bring experience with modern web technologies.
You’ll work on mission-critical software designs that bridges responsive user interfaces with robust backend systems, enabling human operators to plan, command, and monitor autonomous assets with precision and reliability.
What you'll do:
- Engage in end-to-end design of HMI systems for UAV ground control station displays
- Translate complex system requirements into clear, intuitive, and safety-critical user interfaces
- Develop wireframes, user flows, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes using Figma
- Collaborate cross-functionally with systems engineers, pilots/operators, software developers, and human factors experts
- Apply human factors engineering principles to optimize usability, workload, and situational awareness
- Design for real-time data visualization, including telemetry, navigation, sensor fusion, and mission planning tools
- Conduct usability testing, simulations, and iterative design validation
- Contribute to and maintain a design system and component library within Figma for consistency and scalability
- Work with other designers to help establish best practices in HMI/UX design
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
- 5+ years of professional experience designing HMI/UX for aerospace, defense, or other commercial applications.
- Expert-level proficiency in Figma (component systems, prototyping, design systems)
- Strong understanding of:
- Human factors
- Cognitive workload and situational awareness
- Real-time system interfaces and data visualization
- Experience working with cross-disciplinary engineering teams
- Ability to handle complex, ambiguous problem spaces and translate them into usable designs
Preferred qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience designing interfaces for:
- Aircraft cockpits (manned) and/or Unmanned systems / Ground Control Stations (GCS).
- Experience designing for multi-screen, touch, and hardware-integrated interfaces
- Knowledge of simulation environments or operator-in-the-loop testing
- Background in designing for degraded environments or high-stress operational contexts
- Familiarity with additional tools (e.g., Adobe CC, Principle, Framer), but Figma expertise is strongly prioritized
#LI-AA1
#LC
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
- 5+ years of professional experience designing HMI/UX for aerospace, defense, or other commercial applications
- Expert-level proficiency in Figma (component systems, prototyping, design systems)
- Strong understanding of human factors
- Strong understanding of cognitive workload and situational awareness
- Strong understanding of real-time system interfaces and data visualization
- Experience working with cross-disciplinary engineering teams
- Ability to handle complex, ambiguous problem spaces and translate them into usable designs
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance
- Demonstrated experience designing aircraft cockpits (manned) and/or Unmanned systems / Ground Control Stations (GCS)
- Experience designing for multi-screen, touch, and hardware-integrated interfaces
- Knowledge of simulation environments or operator-in-the-loop testing
- Background in designing for degraded environments or high-stress operational contexts
- Familiarity with additional tools (e.g., Adobe CC, Principle, Framer)
What the Team is Saying
Dylan
Lead Engineer, Planning and Controls-Motion
Mo
Lead Engineer, Platform Automation
Willy
Technical Director
Michael
Engineering Manager - State Estimation
Vibhav
Senior Staff Engineer
Kirby
Mechanical Engineer
Ryan
CEO
Evan
Senior Machine Learning Engineer
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.
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The Company
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.
Typical time on-site:
3 days a week
