Lead RF design, integration, testing, and compliance for the V-BAT aircraft. Define system and unit RF requirements, optimize link performance, resolve interference, improve test and compliance processes, create test procedures, mentor engineers, support hiring, and coordinate cross-functionally to deliver reliable airborne RF systems.
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.
Job Description:
Are you a passionate, innovative, experienced Electrical Engineer looking to help develop state-of-the-art AI hardware products? Are you eager to make a positive difference in the world? Do you want to work alongside mission driven and values focused teammates? Shield AI is just the place for you!
As a Senior Staff RF Engineer, you will provide technical leadership for the VBAT aircraft’s RF systems. In this role, you will collaborate closely with a variety of different engineering disciplines, including mechanical, systems, manufacturing, and software engineering. You will be responsible for all RF related design, integration, testing, and compliance. The role highlights are as follows
What you'll do:
- Provide technical leadership to the RF team focusing on the VBAT product line.
- Quantify and optimize RF link performance, resolve defense/interference problems.
- Define system level and unit level design requirements and features for all RF systems.
- Improve design, test, and compliance processes for the engineering org. as it related to RF.
- Define test procedures, requirements, and train operators/technicians to execute accordingly.
- Help grow the team, provide hiring input, and mentor teammates.
- Establish and enforce team processes around design, test, review, cross-functional support, and regulatory compliance.
- Regularly communicate with the cross-functional team regarding RF status, risks, needs, plans, etc.
- Provide technical design input/review to your team and other engineering teams.
- Proactively identify opportunities for improvement within hardware development projects, demonstrating initiative to propose and implement innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and overall project success and V-Bat reliability
- Other duties as assigned.
Required qualifications:
- Active U.S. Secret security clearance; Top Secret clearance strongly preferred
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience with RF systems
- Experience working on cross-functional teams involving EE, ME, SW, manufacturing, production, etc.
- Experience with technical mentorship/guidance of other engineers.
- Experience leading design work on the unit level and system level.
- Experience with quantifying and improving RF sensitivity performance.
- Demonstrated track record of assuming ownership over development processes and features and delivering outstanding outcomes.
- Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed client expectations in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
- Knowledge of antenna design and aircraft level radiation performance analysis and simulation, utilizing tools such as CST & ANSYS.
- Experience in RF and Antenna design, antenna coupling analysis for airborne V/UHF, L-band, S-band, GNSS, and MIL-SAT systems.
- Demonstrated RF analysis experiences in frequency planning, RF Co-site, Antenna Coupling, and the production of analysis report.
- Experience with EMI/EMC compliance techniques, with a particular emphasis on optimizing size, weight and power.
- Knowledge of MIL-STD 461 and MIL-STD 464 compliance requirements and test setups.
- RF system, subsystem and printed circuit assembly EMI/EMC simulation, test and mitigation.
- Experience working on cutting-edge autonomous robotic systems
- Proven background in thriving within fast-paced environments, particularly within startup or R&D settings.
- Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and the ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful outcomes.
#LI-SM1
#LE
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.
###
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.
Similar Jobs at Shield AI
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead enterprise strategy and operations: develop multi-year strategic plans, build financial models for capital allocation, translate priorities into cross-functional execution with KPIs, and track performance to sustain execution velocity.
Top Skills:
AechelonAutonomyHivemindV-BatX-Bat
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead multi-year strategic planning and annual operating cycles, evaluate portfolio tradeoffs, build financial models for capital allocation, and translate strategy into cross-functional execution plans with KPIs. Conduct market sizing, competitive analysis, scenario modeling, and track performance through operating cadences to identify bottlenecks and recommend solutions.
Top Skills:
AechelonHivemindV-BatX-Bat
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead and scale People Operations to deliver an AI-enabled, self-service-first employee experience. Build processes, governance, KPIs, and technology integrations (HRIS, UKG, Ashby, Jira). Own service delivery, automation, data governance, compliance, analytics, and vendor management while partnering with HR, Payroll, IT, Legal, and Finance.
Top Skills:
AIAshbyHrisJira Service ManagementUkg
What you need to know about the Austin Tech Scene
Austin has a diverse and thriving tech ecosystem thanks to home-grown companies like Dell and major campuses for IBM, AMD and Apple. The state’s flagship university, the University of Texas at Austin, is known for its engineering school, and the city is known for its annual South by Southwest tech and media conference. Austin’s tech scene spans many verticals, but it’s particularly known for hardware, including semiconductors, as well as AI, biotechnology and cloud computing. And its food and music scene, low taxes and favorable climate has made the city a destination for tech workers from across the country.
Key Facts About Austin Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 180,500; 13.7% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Dell, IBM, AMD, Apple, Alphabet
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, hardware, cloud computing, software, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.5 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Live Oak Ventures, Austin Ventures, Hinge Capital, Gigafund, KdT Ventures, Next Coast Ventures, Silverton Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Texas, Southwestern University, Texas State University, Center for Complex Quantum Systems, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Texas Advanced Computing Center

