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Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Lead design and integration of secure, low-latency communication systems for autonomous aircraft, including RF, SATCOM, SDR, and tactical data links. Define system requirements, optimize encrypted data links, enable connectivity between airborne, ground, and satellite systems, develop AI-driven sensor fusion, validate performance via simulation and flight testing, and ensure DoD compliance and mission readiness.
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.
Job Description:
Shield AI is redefining autonomous aviation with cutting-edge AI and GPS/RF-denied navigation technologies. Now, we’re building a next-generation aircraft like no other—one that will push the boundaries of innovation and performance.
Shield AI is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer to lead the design, integration, and optimization of advanced communication systems for our next-generation autonomous aircraft.
This is a high-impact role where you will be responsible for mission-critical data links, encryption, and secure communications, ensuring seamless interoperability between airborne, sensor, ground, and satellite systems. You will work across sensor fusion, RF systems, SATCOM, and AI-driven data processing to deliver an aircraft capable of operating in contested environments with low latency and high reliability.
What you'll do:
- Lead the 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) communication systems.
- Optimize low-latency, high-bandwidth data transfer and encryption to ensure mission-critical performance.
- Ensure seamless connectivity between the aircraft, command centers, and satellite networks, enhancing real-time data transmission and autonomy.
- Develop AI-driven sensor fusion algorithms to enhance payload performance in high-threat environments.
- Collaborate with avionics, software, and autonomy teams to ensure robust and secure system integration.
- Validate performance through simulation, flight testing, and field deployments.
- Work with DoD stakeholders and compliance teams to ensure mission readiness and adherence to cybersecurity standards
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
- 8+ years of experience in RF communications or mission systems integration for UAVs or military aircraft.
- Strong expertise in RF systems, satellite communications (SATCOM), tactical data links (Link-16, CDL), and sensor integration.
- Proficiency in software-defined radio (SDR) technologies and secure, encrypted data transmission.
- Experience writing specifications for communications subsystems and architectures.
- Knowledge of MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, and other aerospace data bus standards.
- Experience working with classified communication protocols and DoD compliance.
- Active Secret clearance.
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with AI-enhanced signal processing and sensor fusion for ISR missions.
- Background in low-observable (stealth) communications architectures.
- Familiarity with electronic warfare (EW) and RF threat mitigation techniques.
- Experience supporting DoD or intelligence community mission operations.
- Active Top Secret clearance or eligible to achieve, as well as SCI eligible.
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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 or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 8+ years of experience in RF communications or mission systems integration for UAVs or military aircraft
- Expertise in RF systems, satellite communications (SATCOM), tactical data links (Link-16, CDL), and sensor integration
- Proficiency in software-defined radio (SDR) technologies and secure, encrypted data transmission
- Experience writing specifications for communications subsystems and architectures
- Knowledge of MIL-STD-1553 and ARINC 429 aerospace data bus standards
- Experience working with classified communication protocols and DoD compliance
- Active Secret clearance
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance
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
