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 [](https://shield.ai/). Follow Shield AI on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/shield-ai), [X](https://x.com/shieldaitech), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/shield_ai), and [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@Shield_AI). **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.