Senior Staff Engineer, Communications Systems (R5623)

Shield AI  · Seattle, Washington  · Oct 21, 2025
Apply Now

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. #LI-SM1 #LF 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...

Responsibilities:
• 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
Requirements:
• 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.
• 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.
Apply Now
Company
Shield AI
Location
Seattle, Washington
More jobs in Seattle
Job Type
Full Time Employee
Category
X-BAT Engineering - MEG
Posted
Oct 21, 2025
Source
Original posting ↗
Related Searches
More from Shield AI All WA jobs