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Chief Engineer
Chief Engineer – Hivemind Autonomy (Shield AI)
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram , and YouTube.
About the Role
The Chief Engineer at Shield AI is responsible for solving complex technical challenges in deploying advanced autonomy solutions on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). As the chief authority on system architecture, design, development, risk mitigation, and product quality, the incumbent ensures successful integration of Hivemind Autonomy across a range of aircraft, from Group 2 propeller aircraft to Group 5 jets.
This leadership role is part of the Hivemind Solutions organisation and oversees a team of engineers to deliver cutting-edge autonomous capabilities for business-to-business and defense contracts. The ideal candidate should have:
- Defense industry experience as a Chief Engineer
- A proven track record of leading technical teams to develop and deploy autonomous systems
What You’ll Do
- Serve as the Chief Engineer on Shield AI projects focused on developing and deploying autonomy solutions for unmanned aircraft (Group 2–Group 5)
- Lead a team responsible for advancing Hivemind Autonomy and shaping defense autonomy architectures
- Define and assign technical objectives, make key engineering decisions, and ensure the quality and completeness of all technical deliverables
- Provide technical leadership and oversight across both:
- Internal Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives
- Defense contract programs
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Required Qualifications
- BS/MS degree in:
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
- or a related field
- 10+ years of industry experience in:
- Autonomy
- Autonomous systems (e.g., defense tech, self-driving vehicles)
- UAS platforms
- 7+ years of experience:
- Delivering software into production/certifiable environments
- Ensuring high-reliability standards
- Technical expertise in:
- Guidance, Control, and Navigation (GNC):
- Controls
- Estimation
- Planning
- Robotics stack:
- Controls
- Estimation
- Perception
- Planning
- Guidance, Control, and Navigation (GNC):
- Software development experience, including:
- Deployment strategies
- How to effective engineer production-ready software
- Experience defining:
- Technical scope
- Technical requirements
- Product architectures
- Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
- System-level design documentation
- Problem-solving skills through a scientific, technical approach
- Customer-facing leadership in:
- Supporting defense contracts
- Managing internally funded development programs
- Experience contributing to government contract proposals
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
- Strong leadership abilities to:
- Drive a team of 6–20 engineers
- Motivate, guide, and mentor technical personnel
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Preferred Qualifications
- UK security clearance
Compensation & Benefits
Full-time Regular Employee Package
- Pay within salary range + Bonus + Pensionable benefits + Equity award
- Salary influenced by:
- Skill set
- Experience level
- Licenses and certifications
- Work location
- Security clearance
Temporary Employee Package
- Pay within relevant range + temporary benefits package (available after 60 days)
- Candidate eligibility for benefits relies on contract classification.
Additional Notes
- All offers contingent upon cleared background and possible reference checks.
- Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.
- Salary influenced by role focus, experience, and regional market adjustments.
Company Policy
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of: Race, colour, ancestry Religion, sex, national origin Sexual orientation, age Marital status, disability Gender identity, Veteran status
Accommodation notice: If you have a disability or special need requiring adjustment, please let us know.
Shield AI may utilise AI tools for parts of the hiring process, including:
- Resume screening
- Application review
- Assessing responses
- Verification checks
These tools support (not replace) human decision-making. Final hiring decisions remain with humans.
For details on data processing, contact Shield AI’s Talent Acquisition Team.
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