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Senior Communications Engineer (Hiring at Multiple Levels)

Dallas, Texas
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

Shield AI is redefining autonomous aviation with cutting-edge AI and GPS/RF-denied navigation technologies. Now, we’re building a next-generation aircraft like no other—one that will push the boundaries of innovation and performance.
Shield AI is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer to lead the design, integration, and optimization of advanced communication systems for our next-generation autonomous aircraft.
This is a high-impact role where you will be responsible for mission-critical data links, encryption, and secure communications, ensuring seamless interoperability between airborne, sensor, ground, and satellite systems. You will work across sensor fusion, RF systems, SATCOM, and AI-driven data processing to deliver an aircraft capable of operating in contested environments with low latency and high reliability.

What you'll do:

  • Lead the development and integration of data links, encryption, and secure communication architectures into the aircraft platform.
  • Define system-level requirements and architectures for RF, SATCOM, optical, and software-defined radio (SDR) communication systems.
  • Optimize low-latency, high-bandwidth data transfer and encryption to ensure mission-critical performance.
  • Ensure seamless connectivity between the aircraft, command centers, and satellite networks, enhancing real-time data transmission and autonomy.
  • Develop AI-driven sensor fusion algorithms to enhance payload performance in high-threat environments.
  • Collaborate with avionics, software, and autonomy teams to ensure robust and secure system integration.
  • Validate performance through simulation, flight testing, and field deployments.
  • Work with DoD stakeholders and compliance teams to ensure mission readiness and adherence to cybersecurity standards

Required qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in RF communications or mission systems integration for UAVs or military aircraft.
  • Strong expertise in RF systems, satellite communications (SATCOM), tactical data links (Link-16, CDL), and sensor integration.
  • Proficiency in software-defined radio (SDR) technologies and secure, encrypted data transmission.
  • Experience writing specifications for communications subsystems and architectures.
  • Knowledge of MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, and other aerospace data bus standards.
  • Experience working with classified communication protocols and DoD compliance.
  • Active Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working with AI-enhanced signal processing and sensor fusion for ISR missions.
  • Background in low-observable (stealth) communications architectures.
  • Familiarity with electronic warfare (EW) and RF threat mitigation techniques.
  • Experience supporting DoD or intelligence community mission operations.
  • Active Top Secret clearance or eligible to achieve, as well as SCI eligible.

About Shield AI

Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company building autonomous AI systems for aircraft, drones, and intelligent mission software used in complex military environments. Founded in 2015, the company is best known for developing Hivemind, an AI pilot system that enables aircraft and drones to operate autonomously in contested and GPS-denied environments, supporting U.S. and allied defense missions.

For job seekers, Shield AI offers opportunities across advanced fields including artificial intelligence, robotics, software engineering, autonomy systems, aerospace engineering, embedded systems, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, AI researchers, and defense professionals who want to work on real-world autonomous systems that are actively being deployed in operational military scenarios.

Unlike traditional defense contractors, Shield AI operates with a startup-style engineering culture focused on rapid experimentation, real-world testing, and fast deployment of autonomous capabilities. Employees work on tightly integrated AI and robotics systems that combine perception, decision-making, and control, enabling platforms to operate without direct human input in highly complex environments.

As modern warfare increasingly shifts toward autonomous systems, distributed sensing, and AI-enabled decision-making, Shield AI continues to grow as one of the most prominent companies in next-generation defense technology. For professionals seeking to build cutting-edge autonomy systems with direct mission impact, Shield AI stands out as a leading employer in the defense innovation ecosystem.

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