Staff Systems Engineer (TX/DC/SD)

Job Description

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Systems Engineer with expertise in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to support the design, modeling, and integration of advanced autonomous aircraft systems for our next-generation UAS platform. In this role, you will work within a multidisciplinary team to develop and maintain system models using CAMEO and SysML, drive digital engineering practices, and ensure system-level traceability across complex airborne systems.

This is a hands-on technical role focused on enabling rapid, traceable, and scalable system development through digital tools. You will collaborate closely with systems leads, hardware, autonomy, and test teams to capture system architecture, decompose requirements, and validate system behavior through robust modeling.

What you'll do:

• MBSE Development & Maintenance: Create and maintain SysML-based models using CAMEO to represent system architecture, behavior, interfaces, and requirements across the aircraft lifecycle.
• Requirements Decomposition: Translate high-level system and mission requirements into structured models and ensure end-to-end traceability through DOORS or similar tools.
• Interface Definition: Model and manage system and subsystem interfaces to support hardware and software integration across autonomy, propulsion, avionics, and sensors.
• Digital Engineering Collaboration: Work closely with design, test, and autonomy teams to ensure consistent use of system models for verification planning and design validation.
• Trade Study Support: Contribute to trade space exploration by modeling system behaviors, alternatives, and performance sensitivities.
• System Integration Support: Assist with integration efforts by using system models to inform development, identify dependencies, and support test readiness.
• Documentation & Compliance: Generate documentation to support airworthiness, safety, and programmatic reviews using MBSE artifacts and system models.
• Continuous Improvement: Advocate for MBSE best practices, improve modeling workflows, and support adoption of CAMEO and related tools across engineering teams.

Required qualification:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in systems engineering or MBSE roles supporting aerospace, defense, or complex hardware-software systems.
• Hands-on experience with CAMEO Systems Modeler and strong understanding of SysML.
• Working knowledge of requirements tools such as DOORS, Jama, or Polarion.
• Experience modeling complex system architectures and interfaces.
• Familiarity with system engineering processes, V-model development, and lifecycle traceability.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to government contract requirements.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience supporting Group 4 or Group 5 UAS, or other military aviation platforms.
• Understanding of modular open systems architecture (MOSA) principles.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD-881, 882, and system safety frameworks.
• Exposure to airworthiness certification or flight test support.
• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance (or ability to obtain one).