Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R2476)

About Shield AI

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms, enabling complex missions with high reliability in contested environments. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and internationally, Shield AI’s products actively support U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn,Twitter, and Instagram.

The Chief Engineer at Shield AI is responsible for solving complex technical challenges in deploying advanced autonomy solutions on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). As the chief authority on system architecture, design, development, risk mitigation, and product quality the Chief Engineer ensures the successful integration of Hivemind Autonomy across a range of aircraft, from Group 2 propeller aircraft to Group 5 jets. This role is part of the Hivemind Solutions organization and leads a team of team of engineers to deliver cutting-edge autonomous capabilities for business-to-business and defense contracts. The ideal candidate has defense industry experience as a Chief Engineer and a proven track record of leading technical teams to develop and deploy autonomous systems.

What you'll do:

Serve as the Chief Engineer on Shield AI projects focused on developing and deploying autonomy solutions for unmanned aircraft from group 2 to group 5.

Lead a team responsible for advancing Hivemind Autonomy and shaping Department of Defense (DoD) autonomy architectures.

Define and assign technical objectives, make key engineering decisions, and ensure the quality and completeness of all technical deliverables

Provide technical leadership and oversight across both Internal Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives and DoD contracts.

Required Qualifications:

BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree

10+ years of industry experience in autonomy and/or UAS platforms (e.g., defense tech, self-driving car, etc.)

7+ years of delivering software into production/certifiable environments with high-reliability

Understanding of guidance, control and navigation (GNC) (e.g. controls, estimation, planning)

Understanding of robotics stack (e.g., controls, estimation, perception, planning, etc.)

Understanding of software development processes and how to effectively deploy software

Experience defining technical scope and managing technical requirements, product architectures, ICDs and other system level design documentation

Demonstrate problem solving skills by applying a scientific technical approach

Customer-facing engineering leader supporting both defense and internally funded development programs

Contribute to government contract proposal writing

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Excellent leadership skills, driving a team of 6-20 engineers

Ability to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance. US citizenship is required, only US citizens are eligible for this role.

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Total package details for U.S. based positions:

- Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

- Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days

of employment)

- Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity

Total package details for International positions which are roles based outside of the United States (where applicable):

- International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer

allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.

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.

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.

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Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R2476)

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