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# Staff Systems Engineer (R5982)

- **Company:** Shield AI
- **Location:** Washington, DC, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $144,000.0 - $210,000.0
- **Contract:** Temporary contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Application Integration Architecture, Systems Engineering, Digital Technology, Failure Mode Effects Analysis, Performance Tuning, Software Requirements Analysis, Systems Modeling Language, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Performance Testing, DOORS (Software)
- **Published:** November 2, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.juju.com/job/16_c16640b91

## About the Role

* Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree
 * Demonstrated experience defining system behavior logic and operational modes
 * Deep expertise in system architecture, avionics integration, and autonomy-driven flight systems.
 * Proficiency in MBSE, DOORS, SysML, CAMEO, or similar system modeling tools for complex systems design and analysis.
 * Experience with Group 4 or Group 5 UAS, military aircraft, or autonomous airborne platforms.
 * Strong background in flight testing, system integration, and performance validation.
 * Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, MIL-STDs, FAA airworthiness certification, and airborne system safety standards.
 * Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive complex projects to successful completion.
 * Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile development environment with shifting priorities.
 * Worked on developmental program from clean sheet to first flight
 * Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred Qualifications:

 * Experience developing AI-driven autonomy for unmanned aircraft.
 * Expertise in ISR, EW, and advanced sensor integration for airborne platforms.
 * Familiarity with modular open system architectures (MOSA) and Government Reference Architectures (GRA) for defense applications.
 * Prior experience working with defense primes, DoD stakeholders, or government R&D programs.
 * Active Secret or Top Secret clearance (or ability to obtain one).

## Description

Job Description: As a Staff Systems Engineer on Shield AI's next gen UAS program, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and integrating cutting-edge autonomous aircraft systems for national defense. You will lead the technical execution of system architecture, ensuring seamless integration of avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensor payloads, and mission-critical systems. This position requires a deep understanding of aerospace systems engineering, autonomy, and complex system integration. You will work cross-functionally with teams in hardware, software, autonomy, flight operations, and manufacturing to develop a scalable, mission-ready platform capable of operating in contested environments. Your expertise will be critical in defining system requirements and architectures through model-based systems engineering, conducting trade studies, ensuring compliance with military and aviation standards, and supporting the aircraft through flight testing and operational
deployment. What You'll Do:

 * Perform System Architecture & Design: Develop and refine the system architecture for the next gen UAS, ensuring seamless integration of avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensor payloads, and mission systems.
 * Define and document system-level behavior, including modes, states, transitions, and fault responses
 * Support safety analyses (FHA, FMEA, FTA) by defining behavior under fault conditions
 * Define and Manage System Requirements: Establish top-level requirements, decompose them into subsystems, and maintain traceability across the development lifecycle.
 * Autonomy & AI Integration: Work closely with autonomy and software teams to integrate AI-driven flight control, decision-making, and mission execution capabilities.
 * Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Utilize SysML, DOORS, or other MBSE tools to create digital system models, conduct trade studies, and optimize system performance.
 * Risk Management & Trade Studies: Conduct trade studies to evaluate design alternatives, assess technical risks, and ensure the best engineering solutions for mission effectiveness.
 * Stakeholder & Customer Engagement: Work closely with DoD stakeholders, industry partners, and government agencies to align system capabilities with operational requirements.
 * Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with hardware, autonomy, software, propulsion, and flight operations teams to drive seamless system integration and rapid development cycles.