Staff Engineer, Survivability (R5885)

Seattle, Washingtonfull time

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senior

H1B: no

f7d8749a-72d6-407c-bf98-292ea630c73a The Staff Engineer, Survivability will design and optimize low observable (LO) features of autonomous aircraft to ensure survivability in contested airspace. This role involves electromagnetic signature modeling, LO materials integration, and leading signature testing efforts.

Responsibilities

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.
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.

Qualification

Familiarity with platform CONOPSAbility to contribute to the designTemporary employee offer package

Required

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

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.
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)