Senior Staff Engineer, Communications Systems

Job overview

The Senior Staff Engineer, Communications Systems role is onsite in Washington, DC. The listed salary range is $170,000–$260,000 per year. Shield AI develops intelligent systems intended to protect service members and civilians, including autonomous aircraft and autonomy software. The engineer leads the design, integration, and optimization of communications systems for a next-generation autonomous aircraft. The work supports secure, reliable connectivity among aircraft, sensors, ground command centers, and satellite networks, while coordinating with avionics, software, and autonomy teams and validating systems through simulation, flight testing, and field deployments.

What you'll do

• Lead development and integration of data links, encryption, and secure communications architectures
• define system requirements for RF, SATCOM, optical, and software-defined radio systems
• optimize data transfer and encryption
• develop AI-driven sensor-fusion algorithms
• collaborate across avionics, software, and autonomy teams
• validate performance through simulation, flight testing, and field deployments
• coordinate with DoD stakeholders and compliance teams.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

senior staff engineer

communications systems

rf systems

satcom

secure communications

software-defined radio

autonomous aircraft

secret clearance

washington dc

shield ai

$170k–$260k/year

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• The description lists bonus, benefits, and equity for full-time regular employees
• it states part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.

Why this role

Requires an active Secret clearance and typically at least 10 years of related experience. Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field required. The description lists a Seattle, Washington pay range, while the listing location is Washington, DC.

About the employer

Shield AI is hiring for this role. Industry: Engineering Services. Sector: 54.