Senior Staff Engineer, Communications Systems (R5623)

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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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.
• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related 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.

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.

Compensation for this role is based on the position’s work location. The salary range shown reflects the listed location and may vary if the position is based in a different geographic market. Actual compensation will also consider factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity.

Seattle, Washington pay range: $210,000 - $320,000