Senior Staff Engineer, System Security (R6509)
The full posting
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
We are seeking a Systems Security Engineer to support embedded Cybersecurity and Anti-Tamper activities for aerospace and defense platforms. The role is responsible for applying the DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF) and working with government customers to achieve Authorization to Operate (ATO) for the systems. The team member will also be involved with developing the AT artifacts and documentation for customer AT plan approval.
What you'll do
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- Carry out the DoD RMF process and develop the evidence needed to achieve the ATO.
- Define the embedded cybersecurity architecture, requirements, models, documentation, and trade studies.
- Perform threat modeling, attack-surface analysis, vulnerability assessments, and cyber risk assessments.
- Develop the program's AT artifacts and documentation to support government approval of the AT plan.
- Plan and execute the cybersecurity implementation and verification
- Coordinate between internal teams, stakeholders, suppliers, and customers to effectively communicate and integrate the Cybersecurity solution
Required qualifications
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- Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, systems engineering, or a related STEM field, plus at least 8 years of related experience.
- Experience with the systems engineering process of developing embedded Cybersecurity solutions in aerospace and defense systems.
- Experience with threat modeling, secure system architecture, vulnerability analysis, and security testing.
- Familiarity with NIST SP 800-53 and NIST SP 800-160 volumes 1 and 2
- Strong technical leadership, writing, and customer communication skills.
- Active Secret security clearance with ability to obtain special access
Preferred qualifications
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- Knowledge of avionics, mission systems, platform networks, communications, or data links.
- Experience with Anti-Tamper, Critical Program Information (CPI) assessments, Key Management Plans, Supply Chain Risk Management, Software Assurance, or Cross Domain Solutions.
- Hands-on experience with penetration testing or adversarial assessments.
- CISSP certification
#LI-ML2
#LE
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.
Text as Shield AI published it; last compared with the original on 11 Nov 2026.
The application
Your details and CV, then 23 questions (10 written).
- 1.OtherShort answer · optional
- 2.Are you authorized to work in the United States?Yes or no
- 3.Will you require sponsorship for employment now or in the future?Yes or no
- 4.If yes, what type of sponsorship?Written answer · optional
- 5.This position may require access to information and technology that is subject to export controls, such as EAR. Are you any of the following?Pick one: A United States Citizen · A lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Greencard holder) · A protected individual · Other
- 6.If you selected "A protected Individual" OR "Other" to the above question, please explain further.Written answer · optional
- 7.Shield AI provides technology, services, and support to the United States military and allied forces with their various missions. If selected for employment with Shield AI, your contributions will directly relate to and/or support these misPick one: Yes · No · Other
- 8.(Optional) If you selected other or would like to expand on the above, feel free to do so below:Written answer · optional
- 9.If "Industry Conference" or "Other," please provide more details:Written answer · optional
- 10.Please state your full legal name:Short answer
- 11.Are you a transitioning service member?Yes or no
- 12.If yes, what partnership program are you working with?Pick one: Hiring our Heroes · NextOp · Skillbridge general (no program) · optional
- 13.If other, please provide further detailsWritten answer · optional
- 14.When are you available to start your fellowship?Written answer · optional
- 15.When are you available for full time work?Written answer · optional
- 16.What full time job(s) are you applying for?Written answer
- 17.Are you local to or willing to relocate?Yes or no
- 18.What office(s) would you be willing to relocate to? (Select all that apply)Pick any (7 options) · optional
- 19.If you selected international, what location(s)?Written answer · optional
- 20.What languages are you fluent in?Pick one (8 options) · optional
- 21.RelocationYes or no
- 22.Office(s) to Relocate ToPick any (7 options) · optional
- 23.What location to relocate to (If International)Written answer · optional
Taken from Shield AI's application form as it stood on 11 Nov 2026.
The employer: Shield AI
Shield AI builds the Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft for militaries; security engineers harden those systems and the company's enterprise.
Pay and benefits: Employee roles at a venture-backed maker of autonomous military aircraft.
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