Director of Mission Systems

Job overview

The Director of Mission Systems position is onsite in Seattle, WA, with an annual salary range of $225,000–$340,000. The role leads multidisciplinary teams developing integrated mission systems for next-generation autonomous aircraft. Shield AI’s work focuses on autonomous aircraft capabilities for contested environments. The director sets technical and business strategy and oversees execution from concept development through integration, flight test, and fielding. The role aligns mission-system architecture, organizational priorities, and program execution with customer requirements and product objectives.

What you'll do

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary organization spanning communications and integrated mission systems
• establish technical strategy, capability roadmaps, priorities, and investment plans
• oversee mission-system architectures
• direct modeling, simulation, wargaming, and system-of-systems analysis
• lead cross-functional trade studies
• oversee requirements, architecture, integration, testing, certification, and fielding
• partner with engineering, product, program management, business development, and aircraft leadership
• engage customers, operators, suppliers, and government stakeholders
• recruit and develop leaders
• ensure compliance with safety, airworthiness, cybersecurity, security, and certification requirements.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

director of mission systems

seattle wa

shield ai

autonomous aircraft

mission systems

engineering leadership

secure communications

avionics

systems architecture

flight test

defense programs

$225,000–$340,000/year

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Why this role

Leadership role spanning mission systems for next-generation autonomous aircraft; requires U.S. citizenship and an active Secret clearance, with ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret clearance and required SAP/SAR access.

About the employer

Shield AI is hiring for this role. Industry: Computer Systems Design Services. Sector: 54.