Staff Engineer, Survivability (R5885)

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:

At Shield AI, we're building the most intelligent autonomous aircraft ever deployed. As we push the boundaries of what’s possible in contested environments, we are looking for a Lead Survivability Engineer to shape and optimize the low observable (LO) performance of our next-generation autonomous aircraft.

This role is ideal for an experienced engineer with deep expertise in radar cross-section (RCS) shaping, LO materials, and electromagnetic signature modeling who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. You’ll work across disciplines to ensure our aircraft can survive, evade, and complete missions in highly contested airspace.

What you'll do:

• Design and optimize low observable (LO) features across the airframe focusing on shaping, edge treatments, radar-absorbing materials, and subsystem integration.
• Conduct modeling and simulation of electromagnetic signatures using industry-standard tools such as HFSS, CST Studio Suite, Xpatch, and SENTRi.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams in propulsion, avionics, structures, and AI to ensure survivability is baked into the system architecture from day one.
• Lead or support signature testing efforts, including indoor and outdoor RCS range tests, validation campaigns, and supplier-level hardware evaluations.
• Translate mission threats and requirements into survivability features that address RCS, thermal, visual, and acoustic observability constraints.
• Partner with materials scientists to mature radar-absorbing coatings and structural RAM for manufacturability and field durability.
• Support internal and customer assessments, threat modeling reviews, and milestone decisions throughout the program lifecycle.

Required qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience in LO or survivability engineering, preferably on tactical aircraft, UAVs, or stealth systems.
• Proficiency with EM simulation tools such as HFSS, CST, Xpatch, or SENTRi.
• Strong understanding of RCS shaping principles, edge treatments, cavity suppression, and materials integration.
• Practical experience with LO testing methods and RCS measurement equipment.
• Familiarity with radar-absorbing materials (RAM), LO coatings, and structural LO trade studies.
• Solid collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work across design, test, and manufacturing teams.
• U.S. Citizenship and active Secret clearance required (TS/SCI preferred).
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with military UAV platforms or 5th-gen fighter programs.
• Background in survivability analysis in contested environments (e.g., IADS, radar networks).
• Familiarity with platform CONOPS, threat modeling, and mission-level survivability assessments.
• Ability to contribute to the design, test, and fielding of a fully integrated LO platform.

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