Senior Project Engineer (R3398)

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge—as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software). With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide.  For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.    

Job Description:

At Shield AI, we are revolutionizing defense technology with AI-powered autonomous systems. As a Project Engineer, you’ll be at the forefront of driving cutting-edge programs from concept to deployment, working alongside a world-class team of engineers, program managers, and technical leaders. This role is perfect for a detail-oriented, proactive engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about AI-driven autonomy, complex system integration, and technical program execution.

What you'll do:

• Lead the execution of cutting-edge UAV programs, ensuring technical, schedule, and budget objectives are met.
• Act as the bridge between engineering, leadership, and stakeholders, ensuring seamless communication and alignment.
• Transform complex technical challenges into clear, actionable solutions, supporting key decision-making and risk mitigation.
• Support UAV system design and integration, collaborating with experts in hardware, software, and systems engineering.
• Develop high-impact technical documentation, including risk assessments, reports, and executive-level updates.
• Optimize schedules and resources, driving efficiency while identifying and resolving potential roadblocks.
• Continuously refine and improve program execution, implementing process enhancements to accelerate innovation.

Required qualifications:

• B.S. in a STEM field (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related).
• 5+ years of experience in engineering, project management, or technical program execution.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with experience interfacing across engineering, leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Understanding of systems engineering principles, including mechanical, electrical, and software development.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.
• Proven track record of excellence, teamwork, and high standards in execution.

Preferred qualifications:

• Active Secret security clearance.
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing, flight testing, design engineering, or systems engineering.
• Experience working on mission-critical DoD systems or within DoD acquisition programs.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.

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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 contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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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.