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Shield AI, a venture-backed defense-tech company, is seeking a Senior Staff Engineer to lead the architecture and systems engineering of its Launch and Recovery Vehicle (LRV) platform. The LRV is a critical component of Shield AI's autonomous systems portfolio, designed to support rapid deployment and recovery of unmanned aircraft in contested environments.
In this role, you will own the end-to-end system architecture and design of the LRV, integrating complex subsystems including avionics, hydraulics, electrical power distribution, navigation, and launch/recovery mechanisms. You will define system behavior, operational modes, state transitions, and fault responses across the full vehicle lifecycle—from transport and emplacement through launch, recovery, and stowage. Your work will directly support safety-critical analyses (FHA, FMEA, FTA) and ensure the vehicle meets rigorous military standards.
Key responsibilities include establishing top-level LRV requirements and maintaining traceability through subsystem decomposition; developing Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) that address road, air, and ship transportability, rapid relocation, crew workload, and sustainment; conducting trade studies to evaluate design alternatives and manage technical risk; supporting integration, ground testing, and flight test activities; and engaging with DoD stakeholders, end users, and industry partners to align capabilities with operational needs.
You will work in a fast-paced, agile environment where priorities shift rapidly. This is a hands-on technical leadership role requiring deep systems thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to drive complex programs from concept through operational deployment.
Requirements:
- Minimum 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree
- Demonstrated experience defining system architecture, behavior logic, and operational modes for complex electromechanical systems
- Experience integrating avionics, hydraulic systems, electrical power distribution, and navigation on vehicles, launch/recovery systems, or ground support equipment
- Proficiency in MBSE tools (SysML, Cameo, DOORS, or equivalent)
- Experience developing or applying CONOPs, including transportability, deployment, and field operations considerations
- Strong background in system integration, test, and performance validation, ideally on programs taken from clean sheet to first operation
- Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and relevant standards (MIL-STD-882, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-1366, MIL-STD-1472)
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, agile environment
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with launch and recovery systems for Group 4 or Group 5 UAS, catapult or rail launchers, or military tactical vehicles
- Experience with expeditionary or distributed operations concepts and logistics/sustainment
- Familiarity with modular open system architectures (MOSA) and Government Reference Architectures (GRA)
- Prior experience with defense primes, DoD stakeholders, or government R&D programs
- Active Secret or Top Secret clearance
