Full-Time

Staff Engineer

Posted on 4/12/2024

Shield AI

501-1,000 employees

AI-driven autonomous aircraft and drone operations

AI & Machine Learning

Aerospace

Mid, Senior

Dallas, TX, USA

Required Skills

Data Structures & Algorithms

MATLAB

Requirements

BS in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Software Engineering with a focus on Control Systems
Minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience in the area of vehicle dynamics modeling, flight controls, or simulation
Experience with C++ in a production environment
Experience with Matlab and Simulink
Expert knowledge of aircraft dynamics and control, stability, and handling qualities
Experience tuning and optimizing control systems in simulation and real-world
Passion for solving complex problems in a fast-moving environment
Demonstrated record of working hard, strong communication skills, being a trustworthy teammate, and being kind to others
Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and optimize flight control systems for a family of advanced unmanned VTOL vehicles
Execute simulations and real-world tests of VTOL vehicles
Develop GPS denied / contested environment algorithms
Support road-mapping and planning for next-generation flight control systems
Root-cause, triage, and resolve flight control system defects
Improve test infrastructure, including improvements to unit test coverage, simulation fidelity, analysis tools

Introduction to Shield AI

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown a fighter jet (F-16), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (V-BAT), and a quadcopter (Nova). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies.

Shield AI’s mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Shield AI is a fast growing, venture-backed defense technology company built around a team of proven executives, distinguished warfighters, and world-class AI engineers. Since 2018, Shield AI’s products and people have supported operations around the world with the US Department of Defense and our allies. Join our team and shape the future of artificially intelligent systems.

The GNC engineering team focuses on researching and developing state-of-the-art algorithms that drive high-performance flight for the VBAT, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. As a GNC Engineer on this team, you’ll work on an agile team grounded in first principles to push the boundaries of the state-of-the-art.

What You’ll Do:

Design, develop, and optimize flight control systems for a family of advanced unmanned VTOL vehicles
Execute simulations and real-world tests of VTOL vehicles
Develop GPS denied / contested environment algorithms
Support road-mapping and planning for next-generation flight control systems
Root-cause, triage, and resolve flight control system defects
Improve test infrastructure, including improvements to unit test coverage, simulation fidelity, analysis tools

Required Qualifications:

BS in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Software Engineering with a focus on Control Systems
Minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience in the area of vehicle dynamics modeling, flight controls, or simulation.
Experience with C++ in a production environment
Experience with Matlab and Simulink
Expert knowledge of aircraft dynamics and control, stability, and handling qualities
Experience tuning and optimizing control systems in simulation and real-world
Passion for solving complex problems in a fast-moving environment
Demonstrated record of working hard, strong communication skills, being a trustworthy teammate, and being kind to others
Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

MS or PhD in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Software Engineering with a focus on Control Systems
Experience with Modern Control Theory, e.g. LQR/LQG, Adaptive Control, Robust Control, Model Predictive Control (MPC), etc.
Proficient with extracting linear aircraft state space models from nonlinear equations of motion
Proficient with design or selection of servos, inertial navigation systems, air data units, vision-based navigation systems
Familiarity with Kalman Filters
Familiarity with system identification techniques
Familiarity with git, continuous integration & delivery, etc.
Familiarity with unmanned vehicle command and control languages, e.g. MAVLINK, STANAG 4586, etc.

#LC

#LI-OE1

Total package details:

Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

*Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity

Actual 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.

If you’re interested in being part of our team, apply now!

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.

Shield AI

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Website

View Company Profile

Shield AI is committed to applying artificial intelligence for autonomous drone and aircraft operations, focusing on applications in the defense sector as well as potential commercial uses. This company is distinguished by its forward-thinking in autonomous flight technology, particularly with its AI pilot system, Hivemind, which enables operation without GPS, communications, or human pilots. Its collaborations with the U.S. Department of Defense and ongoing field deployments in various combat scenarios illustrate the company’s role in leading technological advancement in AI flight systems, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about cutting-edge AI and aerospace technology.

Company Stage

Series F

Total Funding

$940.7M

Headquarters

San Diego, California

Founded

2015

Growth & Insights

Headcount

6 month growth

↑ 12%

1 year growth

↑ 34%

2 year growth

↑ 118%

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