S

Shield AI

Develops AI-powered autonomous defense aircraft

Chief Engineer - Weapons

Full-Time
No salary listed
Expert
Bachelor's, Master's
London, UK
Hybrid
UK Top Secret Clearance Required

About the job

Requirements
  • A Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a similar discipline.
  • At least 10 years of industry experience in autonomy or unmanned weapon systems, such as defense technology or self-driving cars.
  • At least 7 years of experience delivering software into production or certifiable environments with high reliability.
  • Understanding of guidance, navigation, and control, including controls, estimation, and planning.
  • Understanding of the robotics stack, including controls, estimation, perception, and planning.
  • Understanding of software development processes and effective software deployment.
  • Experience defining technical scope and managing technical requirements, product architectures, interface control documents, and other system-level design documentation.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills using a scientific and technical approach.
  • Customer-facing engineering leadership supporting defense and internally funded development programs.
  • Ability to contribute to government contract proposal writing.
  • Experience leading a team of 6–20 engineers.
  • UK security clearance is preferred.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as Chief Engineer on projects focused on developing and deploying autonomy solutions for unmanned weapon systems.
  • Lead a team advancing Hivemind Autonomy and shaping defense autonomy architectures.
  • Define and assign technical objectives, make key engineering decisions, and ensure the quality and completeness of technical deliverables.
  • Provide technical leadership and oversight across Internal Research and Development initiatives and defense contracts.
Desired Qualifications
  • UK security clearance.

About the company

Shield AI develops AI-powered autonomous flight systems for defense, including unmanned aerial systems and an autonomous AI pilot called Hivemind. Hivemind works across platforms as a platform-agnostic autonomous operator that can sense, decide, and act to fly aircraft without human input, even in GPS-denied or communications-denied environments, and it is supported by a software stack with development tools, simulation, mission planning, and post-flight analysis. The company differentiates itself by offering GPS-denied, edge-computing autonomy that can be integrated into various airframes, along with in-house training and testing capabilities gained through strategic acquisitions. Its goal is to provide capable, reduced-risk autonomous air power for reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat support to defense customers such as U.S. and allied military branches.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

Series G

Total Funding

$3.3B

Headquarters

San Diego, California

Founded

2015

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • March 2026 financing delivered $2 billion at a $12.7 billion valuation.
  • Poland's September 2026 X-BAT LOI opens production, sustainment, and export pathways.
  • June 2026 Aechelon acquisition strengthens training, testing, and faster deployment across customers.

What critics are saying

  • Anduril owns CCA airframe production, trapping Shield AI in a 2027 software shootout.
  • X-BAT flight tests start this year; any setback delays 2029 production.
  • Autonomy commoditization hits if Collins Aerospace or Anduril beats Hivemind in 2027.

What makes Shield AI unique

  • Hivemind won CCA mission-autonomy selection in February 2026.
  • Aechelon acquisition adds simulation, sensor modeling, and synthetic reality depth.
  • V-BAT is fielded by U.S. and Poland, proving combat-grade autonomy beyond demos.

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Benefits

Medical Insurance Coverage

Long Term Disability Insurance

Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA

Employee Assistance Program

Subsidized Gym Membership

Pet Insurance

Competitive Compensation

Retirement Services

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Bereavement Support

Flexible Work Hours

PTO

Paid Holidays

Commuter Benefits

Relaxed Dress Code

Yearly Swag Items

Unlimited Snacks

Bottomless Beverages

Annual Celebrations

Work From Home Benefits

Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

↑ 0%

1 year growth

↓ -1%

2 year growth

↓ -2%
Aviation Week
Oct 8th, 2026
US Navy boosts X-Bat funding to $400M with $150M investment for autonomous fighter

Shield AI has secured an additional $150 million from the US Navy for its X-Bat autonomous fighter programme, bringing total funding to $400 million. The investment follows an initial $50 million contract in July for the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft under the Navy's Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike concept. The 22,000-lb uncrewed combat vehicle is designed to operate from destroyers, expeditionary sea bases and carriers. Shield AI's Armor Harris said the funding covers development through initial testing, with first flight scheduled for later this year. However, additional financing will be needed before planned serial production begins in 2029. The programme represents a new public-private financing approach pioneered by the Navy's Rapid Capabilities Office to accelerate weapon system development.

TechAssembly
Oct 6th, 2026
AI revolution.

AI revolution. Shield AI's AI-piloted fighter jet and the EU AI Act are changing the game. Thousands of new jobs and new regulations are coming. The future of flight. Shield AI, a company at the forefront of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, has announced plans to build an AI-piloted fighter jet in Washington state. The project represents a major breakthrough in AI-powered aviation, with potential applications spanning military and commercial domains. The AI-piloted fighter jet, designed to operate with unprecedented levels of autonomy, will leverage advanced machine learning algorithms and sophisticated sensor systems to navigate and engage in complex flight maneuvers. The project is expected to generate new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in Washington state. The project will also foster collaboration between Shield AI and local academic institutions, driving innovation in AI research. As the project advances, the integration of AI technology may yield breakthroughs in areas like aerial combat, surveillance, and search and rescue operations. AI-piloted aircraft will have far-reaching implications for the future of flight. Autonomous operation enables these vehicles to perform tasks that are difficult or dangerous for human pilots, including formation flying, complex maneuvers, and emergency response. AI-piloted aircraft can also provide real-time data and insights, enhancing decision-making in aviation. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the incorporation of AI technology is likely to play a vital role in shaping its future. With companies like Shield AI pushing the boundaries of innovation, TechAssembly Ltd. can expect to see significant advancements in areas such as autonomous systems, machine learning, and data analytics. AI's potential applications in aviation are vast, spanning improved safety and efficiency, enhanced passenger experience, and reduced environmental impact. The development of AI-piloted fighter jets is closely tied to advancements in areas like India's chip ambitions and warehouse robotics. As these technologies continue to mature, TechAssembly Ltd. can expect to see increased collaboration and innovation across industries, driving progress and growth in the global economy. EU AI Act: A new era. The European Union's AI Act, a comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, is set to usher in a new era of transparency, accountability, and innovation in the development and deployment of AI systems. The legislation aims to establish the EU as a global AI leader while prioritizing human well-being, safety, and fundamental rights. At the heart of the EU AI Act is a risk-based approach, which categorizes AI systems into four distinct levels of risk: minimal, limited, high, and unacceptable. This framework provides a clear and nuanced understanding of the potential risks and benefits associated with AI, enabling developers, deployers, and users to make informed decisions about the adoption and use of AI technology. Industry observers note that the Act aims to strike a balance between promoting innovation and ensuring that AI systems are developed and deployed responsibly. The EU AI Act also introduces a range of measures to promote transparency, explainability, and human oversight in AI decision-making processes. These provisions will help to build trust in AI systems, ensuring that they are fair, reliable, and free from bias. Furthermore, the legislation establishes a robust enforcement mechanism, with penalties for non-compliance. Risk-based approach explainable AI Transparency requirements up to €30 million or 6% of global turnover Penalties for non-compliance OpenAI and other AI innovators will need to adapt to the new regulatory landscape. The EU AI Act presents opportunities and challenges as organizations navigate its complex requirements and obligations. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and human well-being, the EU AI Act may drive a new wave of AI innovation characterized by trust, reliability, and social responsibility. In the broader context of global technology trends, the EU AI Act is closely tied to developments in areas such as Latin America cross-border payments and the India e-commerce market. As these technologies continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the EU AI Act influences the trajectory of AI innovation, both within the EU and globally. Operator anecdote: building X-BAT. As TechAssembly Ltd. delve into the world of AI-powered aviation, it's essential to hear from the operators who are working on the frontlines of this technological revolution. One such operator is John, a seasoned engineer who worked on Shield AI's X-BAT project. The X-BAT, an autonomous aircraft designed for reconnaissance and surveillance missions, showcases the potential of AI in enhancing flight capabilities. John's experience offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that come with developing such advanced technology. "Working on the X-BAT project was a thrilling experience," John recalls. "Our team was tasked with integrating the AI system with the aircraft's hardware, ensuring seamless communication between the two. It was a complex process, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of both the AI algorithms and the aircraft's dynamics." John's account highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the development of AI-powered aviation technology, where expertise in AI, aerospace engineering, and software development must come together. The X-BAT's autonomy is made possible by advanced machine learning algorithms that enable the aircraft to adapt to changing environments and make decisions in real-time. This level of autonomy not only enhances the aircraft's capabilities but also poses significant challenges in terms of safety, security, and regulatory compliance. John and his team had to navigate these challenges, working closely with regulatory bodies to ensure that the X-BAT met the highest standards of safety and performance. The success of the X-BAT project demonstrates the potential of AI in transforming the aviation industry. As AI technology continues to evolve, TechAssembly Ltd. can expect to see more autonomous systems being developed for various applications, from commercial aviation to space exploration. The lessons learned from the X-BAT project will be invaluable in shaping the future of flight, where human pilots and AI systems work together to achieve unprecedented levels of safety, efficiency, and performance. In the context of the broader technological landscape, the development of AI-powered aviation technology is closely tied to advancements in other fields, such as warehouse robotics and automation, as seen in the warehouse robotics boom. This intersection of technologies highlights the interconnected nature of innovation, where breakthroughs in one area can have profound impacts on others. Watermarking ai-generated text. As AI-generated content becomes increasingly prevalent, the need for transparency and accountability in AI-generated text has never been more pressing. OpenAI, a leader in the development of AI technologies, has been at the forefront of addressing this challenge through the implementation of watermarking techniques. Watermarking AI-generated text involves embedding subtle patterns or signals within the text that can be used to identify its origin and distinguish it from human-generated content. The EU AI Act, a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at ensuring the safe and responsible development of AI, includes provisions related to AI-generated text and transparency requirements. Industry observers note that these provisions will help to build trust in AI systems and ensure that they are fair, reliable, and free from bias. AI-Generated · Built to Move You AI researcher, analyst, and writer by TechAssembly. Responsible for curating over 300,000 lessons on deepcamp.cc - where curiosity meets execution. Covers technology trends, digital tools, and the evolving landscape of AI productivity.

Australian Defence Magazine
Oct 6th, 2026
Shield AI and Innovaero to collaborate on strike capability.

Shield AI and Innovaero to collaborate on strike capability. 6 October 2026 2 / 3 free articles left. Shield AI and Innovaero Technologieshave announced a collaboration to give the Australian Defence Force (ADF) greater strike capability. Innovaero is an Australian defence and aerospace technology and manufacturing company which works on precision loitering munition systems. "Shield AI has a proven track record of integrating Hivemind across a wide range of platforms and operational environments," CEO of Innovaero, Greg Tunny, said. "That experience makes Shield AI an ideal partner as we collaborate to bring advanced mission autonomy to the OWL family. Together, we are accelerating an Australian-designed capability while preserving Australia's control over its critical defence technologies." Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Shield AI will integrate its Hivemind mission autonomy software on Innovaero's One-Way Loitering (OWL) family of precision munitions. OWL munitions are designed to efficiently identify, track and strike targets. Hivemind will enable faster mission planning and increased lethality in OWL's attacks. Hivemind has already been integrated onto Innovaero's OWL-B aircraft ahead of flight testing. Multi-agent coordinated strike missions are being simulated in dynamic conditions with commands issued through the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) tactical interface. "Innovaero combines deep expertise in loitering munitions with a strong commitment to building sovereign capability in Australia," vice president of Hivemind for Australia, Asia and the Middle East at Shield AI, Adam Hogan, said. "By integrating Hivemind into the OWL family, we will help the ADF plan and execute missions faster, coordinate multiple aircraft and operate when GPS or communications are degraded. This collaboration will also give Australia greater control over how that autonomy is developed, tested and fielded." According to Shield AI, Hivemind reroutes mission plans, responds to unexpected conditions, avoids obstacles, and executes complex tasks safely and effectively. Operating as an edge AI capability, it supports platform autonomy when communications are denied, degraded, intermittent, or limited. Hivemind has piloted more than 40 classes of vehicles including F-16s, Group 5 Collaborative Combat Aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, drone boats, one-way attack drones, and ground vehicles. Hivemind was most recently integrated onto the Destinus Hornet loitering munition in the space of two months, with teams from Australia supporting successful flight tests in Spain. Innovaero's OWL family are entirely Australia-designed, one-way loitering munitions. In March 2025, Innovaero announced upgraded guidance capabilities for its flagship OWL-B precision loitering munition, and the first test demonstrator of the OWL-X variant.

Spot On Washington
Sep 30th, 2026
Shield AI chooses Des Moines for new site, begin production of AI fighter jets in 2029.

Shield AI chooses Des Moines for new site, begin production of AI fighter jets in 2029. Des Moines is set to see major economic growth with a new aerospace manufacturing facility from Shield AI. |!| Seattle Des Moines

PR Newswire
Sep 30th, 2026
Shield AI selects Kansas and Washington for X-BAT fighter jet production, supporting 9,800 jobs and adding $78B to local economies

Shield AI has selected Newton, Kansas and Des Moines, Washington as the flight test and production sites for its X-BAT AI-piloted fighter jet. X-Forge 2 in Newton will handle flight testing and sustainment, whilst X-Forge 3 in Des Moines will manage production. The programme is projected to support approximately 9,800 jobs by the early 2030s. Economic analysis estimates the initiative will add roughly $5 billion to the Newton economy and $73 billion to the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue region through 2046. X-BAT is designed as a vertical takeoff and landing strike fighter with a 1,000 nautical mile combat radius. Powered by GE Aerospace's F110 engine, the aircraft will operate on Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software. Production is planned to begin in 2029, with flight testing commencing later this year.