Senior Staff Engineer, LRV Systems (R6242)

Shield AI

Seattle, WA

On-site

Who this role is best for

Aimed at mid-to-senior-level systems engineers who have experience in defense systems and can lead cross-functional teams.

Best fit for

Candidates with 7+ years of experience in complex electromechanical system design and integration
— “Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree”
Individuals familiar with DoD acquisition processes and safety standards
— “Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and relevant standards”
Engineers who have led projects from clean sheet to first operation
— “Strong background in system integration, test, and performance validation, ideally on a program taken from clean sheet to first operation”

Things to consider

Security clearance is a mandatory requirement for this role
— “Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance”
The role may require travel and field operations due to testing and deployment needs
— “Support combined LRV and aircraft testing through flight test and operational deployment”

How to stand out

Highlight experience with system behavior logic and fault response definitions
— “Define and document LRV modes, states, transitions, and fault responses”
Emphasize your background in requirements management and traceability
— “Establish top-level LRV requirements, break them down into subsystem requirements, and maintain traceability”
Showcase your ability to work with DoD stakeholders and translate operational needs into requirements
— “Work with DoD stakeholders, end users, and industry partners to align LRV capabilities”
Demonstrate proficiency in MBSE tools like SysML or DOORS
— “Proficiency in MBSE tools such as SysML, Cameo, DOORS, or similar”
Include experience with expeditionary operations or military logistics concepts
— “Experience with expeditionary or distributed operations concepts and their logistics”

Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

Developed and refined LRV architecture
Supported safety analyses
Developed transportation and deployment CONOPs

Typical background

7+ years of experience in system architecture and designExperience in avionics and electrical systems integration

Skills & requirements

Required

System ArchitectureMBSE Tools (sysml, Cameo, Doors)System IntegrationDod Acquisition ProcessesCross-functional Team Leadership

Preferred

Launch And Recovery SystemsModular Open System ArchitecturesDefense Primes Experience

Stack & domain

System Architecture & DesignSystem Behavior & SafetyRequirements ManagementConops DevelopmentTrade Studies & Risk ManagementIntegration & TestStakeholder EngagementMBSE Tools (sysml, Cameo, Doors)ConopsSystem Integration, Test, And Performance ValidationDod Acquisition ProcessesMil-std StandardsLeading Cross-functional TeamsS//sar Level Security ClearanceLaunch And Recovery SystemsExpeditionary Or Distributed Operations ConceptsModular Open System Architectures (mosa)Government Reference Architectures (gra)LeadershipCommunicationProblem-solvingTeamworkAdaptabilityAttention To DetailDefense-techAutonomy SoftwareAircraftSimulation And Synthetic Reality TechnologiesElectromechanical SystemsDefense PrimesGovernment R&D Programs

About the role

Original posting from Shield AI via Lever

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.
Required qualifications::
System Architecture & Design: Develop and refine the LRV architecture, integrating avionics, hydraulics, electrical power distribution, navigation, and launch and recovery mechanisms into one vehicle that works reliably.
System Behavior & Safety: Define and document LRV modes, states, transitions, and fault responses for transport, emplacement, launch, recovery, and stow. Support safety analyses (FHA, FMEA, FTA) by defining behavior under fault conditions.
Requirements Management: Establish top-level LRV requirements, break them down into subsystem requirements, and maintain traceability across the development lifecycle.
CONOPs Development: Develop transportation and deployment CONOPs that cover road, air, and ship transportability, rapid relocation, crew workload, and sustainment. Turn these operational needs into system requirements.
Trade Studies & Risk Management: Conduct trade studies to evaluate design alternatives, assess technical risks, and ensure the best engineering solutions for mission effectiveness.
Integration & Test: Support LRV integration, ground testing, and verification, and support combined LRV and aircraft testing through flight test and operational deployment.
Stakeholder Engagement: Work with DoD stakeholders, end users, and industry partners to align LRV capabilities and CONOPs with operational requirements.
Required qualifications::
Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree
Demonstrated experience defining system architecture, behavior logic, and operational modes for complex electromechanical systems
Experience integrating avionics, hydraulic systems, electrical power distribution, and navigation on vehicles, launch and recovery systems, or ground support equipment
Proficiency in MBSE tools such as SysML, Cameo, DOORS, or similar
Experience developing or applying CONOPs, including transportability, deployment, and field operations considerations
Strong background in system integration, test, and performance validation, ideally on a program taken from clean sheet to first operation
Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and relevant standards (e.g., MIL-STD-882, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-1366, MIL-STD-1472)
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, agile environment with shifting priorities
Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance
Preferred qualifications::
Experience with launch and recovery systems for Group 4 or Group 5 UAS, catapult or rail launchers, or military tactical vehicles
Experience with expeditionary or distributed operations concepts and their logistics and sustainment needs
Familiarity with modular open system architectures (MOSA) and Government Reference Architectures (GRA)
Prior experience working with defense primes, DoD stakeholders, or government R&D programs
Active Secret or Top Secret clearance
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.

Source: Shield AI careers (Lever)