Staff RF System Design Engineer

A venture-backed defense technology company founded in 2015, focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
Texas, USA
$149,134 - $223,702
Embedded
Staff Software Engineer
In-Person
501 - 1,000 Employees
7+ years of experience
AI · Defense

Description For Staff RF System Design Engineer

Shield AI, a pioneering defense technology company founded in 2015, is seeking a Staff RF System Design Engineer to join their innovative team. The company specializes in developing intelligent systems and their flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, which powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms for complex missions in contested environments.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI-driven hardware, specifically focusing on RF system engineering. You'll be responsible for developing and integrating mission-critical sensor payloads, data links, and secure communications systems that ensure seamless interoperability across airborne, ground, and satellite systems. The position demands expertise in Electronic Warfare systems, antenna design, and RF engineering.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical capabilities in RF system design, with experience in link budget analysis, propagation modeling, and EW-resilient data links. You'll work alongside mission-driven teammates in a values-focused environment, contributing to technology that protects service members and civilians.

Based in the Dallas Metro Area, this position offers competitive compensation ranging from $149,134 to $223,702 annually, plus additional benefits including bonus, equity, and a comprehensive benefits package. Shield AI maintains offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and internationally, supporting U.S. and allied operations worldwide.

This role presents an exceptional opportunity for an experienced RF engineer to make a significant impact in the defense technology sector while working with state-of-the-art AI hardware products. The company's commitment to innovation and mission-critical applications makes this an ideal position for someone passionate about combining RF engineering expertise with cutting-edge AI technology.

Last updated 22 days ago

Responsibilities For Staff RF System Design Engineer

  • Lead trade studies on data link technologies, focusing on EW resilience, interoperability, and lifecycle performance
  • Perform link budget analysis for airborne platforms, accounting for range, atmospheric effects, and interference
  • Define antenna and radome hardware requirements, collaborating with suppliers to ensure reliability
  • Design and integrate C2 and mission data links for secure, high-performance communications
  • Analyze over-the-air data link performance and develop test procedures for lab and flight validation
  • Assess real-world EW threats and countermeasures through flight testing and simulation

Requirements For Staff RF System Design Engineer

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
  • Expertise in LOS/BLOS Electronic Warfare systems design, integration, and testing
  • Experience in antenna and radome design, placement, and co-site integration for large airborne platforms
  • Proficiency in link budget analysis, propagation modeling, and validation
  • Knowledge of alternative positioning systems (e.g., UWB, ADS-B, radar-based navigation)
  • Strong understanding of RF transceiver and front-end design for EW-resilient data links
  • Hands-on experience with RF test and measurement equipment

Benefits For Staff RF System Design Engineer

Equity
  • Bonus
  • Benefits Package
  • Equity

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