Principal Engineer, Subsystems

A venture-backed defense technology company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems, developing autonomous aircraft and drones.
$198,046 - $297,068
Embedded
Principal Software Engineer
In-Person
501 - 1,000 Employees
10+ years of experience
AI · Robotics

Description For Principal Engineer, Subsystems

Shield AI, established in 2015, is an innovative defense technology company at the forefront of developing autonomous systems for military and civilian protection. Their flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers various aircraft and drones for complex missions in contested environments.

The Principal Engineer, Subsystems role is a critical position focused on leading the design, integration, and optimization of aircraft subsystems for next-generation autonomous aircraft. This role demands expertise in various aircraft systems, including hydraulic, electromechanical, landing gear, fuel, and environmental control systems.

The position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of autonomous aerial warfare through the development of mission-critical aircraft subsystems. Working at Shield AI means joining a team that operates at the intersection of aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence, with offices in strategic locations including San Diego, Dallas, and Washington, D.C.

The role requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in aircraft subsystems engineering and offers a competitive compensation package ranging from $198,046 to $297,068 annually, plus additional benefits including bonus, equity, and comprehensive benefits package. The position demands US citizenship due to security clearance requirements and involves working with DoD stakeholders and compliance teams.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced aerospace professional who wants to make a significant impact in the autonomous aircraft industry while working on cutting-edge technology that directly contributes to national security and defense capabilities. The role combines technical leadership, systems integration, and strategic planning to develop reliable, high-performance aircraft systems capable of operating in challenging environments.

Last updated 9 days ago

Responsibilities For Principal Engineer, Subsystems

  • Lead the design and development of critical aircraft subsystems
  • Define system architecture and requirements for hydraulic, electromechanical, and fuel systems
  • Develop power distribution and environmental control systems for long-endurance UAV operations
  • Ensure reliability, redundancy, and fail-safe operation across all critical subsystems
  • Optimize weight, efficiency, and modularity to enhance aircraft performance
  • Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, and autonomy teams
  • Work with suppliers and manufacturing teams for production transition
  • Conduct system-level testing, fault analysis, and flight validation
  • Ensure compliance with MIL-STD, FAA, and DoD aerospace regulations

Requirements For Principal Engineer, Subsystems

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 10+ years of experience in aircraft subsystems engineering
  • Expertise in hydraulic, electromechanical, landing gear, or fuel system design
  • Hands-on experience in full-aircraft development
  • Proficiency in CAD & system modeling tools
  • Strong knowledge of power distribution and aerospace-grade component selection
  • Experience working with DoD stakeholders
  • US Citizenship required for security clearance

Benefits For Principal Engineer, Subsystems

Equity
Visa Sponsorship
  • Bonus
  • Benefits Package
  • Equity
  • International benefits where applicable
  • Visa assistance
  • Relocation assistance

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