Air Vehicle Lead, Chief Engineer

Shield AISeattle, Washington · Dallas, Texas · San Diego, California

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At a glance: is it worth your time?

  • Is it real? Listed on Shield AI's own job board; JoRoute confirmed it 3 hours ago. Ask first: first posted more than 60 days ago. · checked by JoRoute
  • What it asks: Lead / staff. "You will own the technical integrity of the aircraft and lead the multidisciplinary engineering effort required to take the vehicle from requirements and architecture through deta…" "Salary 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." · employer's own words
  • Check before applying: Pay about $265k a year, 41% above the typical $188k in Seattle, WA. Seattle, Washington · Dallas, Texas. · pay compared by JoRoute
  • Not sure? Ask someone you trust before you spend time on it: send them the one-page brief. They can open it without an account.
  • Next: One-page brief: what to ask before you apply · Should I apply?

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Job type
Full-time
Department
X-BAT Engineering
Salary
USD 212,320–318,480 per year (as published by the source)
Posted
2026-08-26

Description

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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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 www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.  Job Description Are you a passionate and innovative aerospace engineering leader looking to develop next-generation autonomous aircraft? Are you eager to make a positive difference in the world and work alongside mission-driven, values-focused teammates? Shield AI is just the place for you. As the Air Vehicle Lead for a new aircraft program you will serve as the senior technical leader responsible for the design, development, integration, and maturation of the air vehicle. You will own the technical integrity of the aircraft and lead the multidisciplinary engineering effort required to take the vehicle from requirements and architecture through detailed design, build, ground test, flight test, and production. This is a highly technical, hands-on leadership role. You will work across aerodynamics, flight sciences, structures, mechanical systems, propulsion, avionics, electrical systems, flight controls, manufacturing, and test to ensure the aircraft performs as an integrated system. You will be expected to make difficult technical trades, challenge assumptions, manage risk, and drive the team toward simple, robust solutions at speed. #LI-KK1 #LF Full-time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity   Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)   Salary 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. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.   ###   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.