Full-Time

Senior RF Engineer

Posted on 6/18/2024

Shield AI

Shield AI

501-1,000 employees

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

Compensation Overview

$116.3k - $174.4k/yr

+ Bonus + Equity

Senior

Dallas, TX, USA

The job is onsite in the Dallas metro area.

US Top Secret Clearance Required

Category
Electrical Engineering
RF and Microwave Engineering
Hardware Engineering
Required Skills
Product Design
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or an equivalent field.
  • Proven experience as an Electrical Engineer specializing in RF systems.
  • Proven experience in performing RF link budget analysis to ensure the reliability of data links in real-world deployments of RF systems.
  • Experienced with reading schematic and selecting RF components.
  • Proficient with circuit analysis, test, and use of test equipment such as network analyzer, spectrum analyzer and various RF probes.
  • Familiarity with RF and circuit simulation tools. Working knowledge of using EM simulation to model unintended radiation path is a plus.
  • Previous contributions to a product design involving cross-functional collaboration with teams such as Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Development, Manufacturing, and Production.
  • Demonstrated dedication, teamwork, commitment to high standards, and kindness in your interactions with colleagues and teammates. 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.
Responsibilities
  • Support the design and testing of RF systems for V-BAT aircraft, taking charge of tasks including the analysis of antenna placement, RF co-site analysis, and the implementation of strategies to mitigate onboard interference signals.
  • Identify and comprehend the mechanisms responsible for interference signals, developing effective mitigation solutions that meet size, weight, and power constraints.
  • Drive improvements in design, testing, and compliance processes within the RF team.
  • Define test procedures and requirements, while also providing training to operators and technicians to ensure flawless execution.
  • Foster a collaborative environment by mentoring teammates when possible, sharing knowledge, and facilitating their professional growth.
  • Play a key role in the development of automated test solutions, enhancing efficiency and precision in our testing processes.
  • 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.
Desired Qualifications
  • 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.

Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems specifically for the defense industry. The company develops advanced AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, particularly in environments where GPS and communication are unavailable. This technology allows for safer and more efficient defense operations. Shield AI primarily serves government and military clients, generating revenue through contracts with these organizations. What sets Shield AI apart from its competitors is its focus on developing systems that can operate in challenging scenarios, as well as its recent strategic acquisitions and strong funding from investors. The company's goal is to enhance military capabilities and protect lives through innovative technology.

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

Late Stage VC

Total Funding

$1.3B

Headquarters

San Diego, California

Founded

2015

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Rising global defense budgets increase opportunities for Shield AI's autonomous systems.
  • Strong venture capital backing supports Shield AI's growth and innovation initiatives.
  • Successful partnerships, like with Airbus, enhance Shield AI's credibility in the defense sector.

What critics are saying

  • The V-BAT drone accident in April 2024 raised safety concerns impacting reputation.
  • Missed financial targets in 2024 and 2025 indicate potential financial instability.
  • Integration challenges with acquired DDR software may affect AI pilot training timelines.

What makes Shield AI unique

  • Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI Pilot deployed in combat since 2018.
  • The company specializes in AI systems for defense, enhancing military operations' safety and efficiency.
  • Strategic acquisitions like Martin UAV bolster Shield AI's technological capabilities and market position.

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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

↓ -2%

1 year growth

↑ 0%

2 year growth

↓ -3%
Homebrew
Jun 19th, 2025
Shield AI Raises $200M for AI Pilot

Shield AI has raised $200 million to advance the development of its AI pilot technology. The company, known for its mission-driven approach, creates autonomous devices and aircraft used in combat zones and critical missions. Founded by brothers inspired to use technology for safer information gathering, Shield AI's innovations are deployed by various nations, including current operations in Gaza.

Yahoo Finance
Jun 7th, 2025
Shield AI expands despite safety concerns

Shield AI remains on an expansion path despite safety and tariff concerns, according to CFO Kingsley Afemikhe. The company faced scrutiny after a V-BAT drone accident in April 2024, delaying profitability and customer acquisition. Shield AI missed 2024 and 2025 financial targets and won't be profitable this year. The company raised $240 million in March to expand its Hivemind software and signed $100 million in European contracts, pursuing $1.8 billion in potential deals.

Aviation Today
May 1st, 2025
Airbus, Shield AI Partner On Unmanned Lakota For Marines' Autonomous Logistics Connector

Airbus U.S. has partnered with Shield AI to integrate its autonomy software on the unmanned version of the UH-72 Lakota aircraft it's developing for the Marine Corps' Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) program, the companies said April 30.

AlleyWatch
Apr 18th, 2025
Shield AI Raises $1B in Series F

Shield AI, a San Diego-based deep-tech company, raised a Series F funding round in March 2025, bringing its total equity funding to $1 billion. The company focuses on AI-powered systems for enhancing safety. Key investors in this round include Andreessen Horowitz, Cacti, Hanwha Aerospace, L3Harris Technologies, and US Innovative Technology Fund.

UAS Weekly
Apr 16th, 2025
Shield AI Boosts AI Pilot Training with Crowdbotics' DDR Software Acquisition

Shield AI, the deep-tech company building state-of-the-art autonomy software products and defense aircraft, today announced the acquisition of the Data Driven Readiness (DDR) intellectual property assets from Crowdbotics, Inc.

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