Project Engineer - Payloads & Communications

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.   

Job Description:

Shield AI is seeking a Project Engineer - Payloads & Communications to lead the design, integration, and testing of mission-critical payloads, RF communications, and avionics systems for our next-generation autonomous aircraft. This role will be instrumental in defining the sensor, data link, and mission system architecture that enables real-time decision-making, situational awareness, and secure tactical communication.

This position is ideal for a technical expert in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) payloads, advanced RF systems, and airborne electronic warfare capabilities. You will be responsible for selecting, integrating, and optimizing cutting-edge sensors, communication nodes, and mission-critical avionics to maximize aircraft effectiveness in contested and denied environments.

• Lead the end-to-end development of payload and communication systems, including EO/IR sensors, radars, GPS, and secure data links.
• Define RF architectures, antenna placement strategies, and signal processing techniques to maximize connectivity and data transmission reliability.
• Develop SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost) optimized payload configurations for airborne ISR and mission-critical applications.
• Work with software and AI teams to integrate autonomous decision-making algorithms with sensor inputs for real-time situational awareness.
• Oversee hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing, ensuring robust payload performance in simulated and real-world environments.
• Conduct trade studies and system validation tests, evaluating RF performance, interference mitigation, and secure data transmission strategies.
• Support flight testing, troubleshooting, and payload performance optimization based on operational feedback.
• Ensure compliance with MIL-STD-1553, Ethernet, and serial communication protocols for avionics integration.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years in payload integration, RF communications, avionics, or ISR system development.
• Expertise in airborne sensor fusion, RF communication protocols, and electronic warfare (EW) systems.
• Hands-on experience integrating EO/IR cameras, radars, tactical data links, and secure encryption modules.
• Deep understanding of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC/EMI), RF interference mitigation, and electronic countermeasures.
• Strong background in airborne networking, waveform analysis, and tactical link management (Link 16, SATCOM, MANET, LOS/BLOS communications).
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, CST Microwave Studio, and RF simulation tools.
• US Citizenship required due to security clearance requirements.

• Experience in multi-aircraft coordination, swarm tactics, and distributed sensor networking.
• Background working with DoD, DARPA, SOCOM, or defense R&D organizations.
• Knowledge of AI-driven mission autonomy, autonomous sensor cueing, and AI-enhanced ISR capabilities.

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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.