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Security Engineering

Senior Engineer, Cybersecurity (R5972)

Shield AI logoShield AIWashington, D.C.Full-timePosted 1d ago
Apply on Shield AI (opens the job details)Shield AI as an employer: salaries and roles

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 Senior Cybersecurity Engineer to lead cybersecurity activities for an airborne aerospace and defense platform. This role will integrate cybersecurity across avionics, mission systems, aircraft networks, communications, embedded software, and ground-support systems.

What you'll do

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  • Develop the platform’s cybersecurity architecture, requirements, and protection strategy.
  • Perform threat modeling, vulnerability assessments, attack-surface analysis, and cyber risk assessments.
  • Define protections for secure boot, authentication, access control, encryption, key management, software updates, and data communications.
  • Apply defense-in-depth across aircraft systems, networks, radios, data links, and external interfaces.
  • Lead DoD Risk Management Framework activities and develop required authorization evidence.
  • Evaluate hardware, software, firmware, and supplier designs for cybersecurity risks.
  • Develop cybersecurity verification plans and support vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and cyber-resiliency testing.
  • Coordinate risk mitigation and corrective actions with engineering teams, suppliers, customers, and program leadership.
  • Ensure cybersecurity solutions support aircraft safety, availability, and mission effectiveness.

Required qualifications

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  • Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, systems engineering, or a related field.
  • Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree.
  • Experience with aircraft, aerospace, defense, or other mission-critical embedded systems.
  • Knowledge of avionics, mission systems, platform networks, communications, or data links.
  • Experience with threat modeling, secure system architecture, vulnerability analysis, and security testing.
  • Familiarity with DoD RMF, NIST security guidance, cryptography, and key management.
  • Strong technical leadership, writing, and customer communication skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.

Preferred qualifications

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  • Cybersecurity experience on military aircraft, unmanned aircraft, or airborne mission systems.
  • Familiarity with NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-160, DO-326A, DO-355, and DO-356A.
  • Experience with anti-tamper, program protection, supply-chain risk management, or cross-domain solutions.
  • Experience supporting cyber testing, penetration testing, or adversarial assessments.
  • Relevant certification such as CISSP, Security+, CEH, or GIAC.
  • Active U.S. security clearance.

#LI-AD6

#LC

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.

Apply on Shield AI (opens the job details)

The application

Your details and CV, then 23 questions (10 written).

Have readyCVCover letter (optional)LinkedIn (optional)X profile (optional)GitHub (optional)Portfolio (optional)
  1. 1.
    OtherShort answer · optional
  2. 2.
    Are you authorized to work in the United States?Yes or no
  3. 3.
    Will you require sponsorship for employment now or in the future?Yes or no
  4. 4.
    If yes, what type of sponsorship?Written answer · optional
  5. 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. 6.
    If you selected "A protected Individual" OR "Other" to the above question, please explain further.Written answer · optional
  7. 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. 8.
    (Optional) If you selected other or would like to expand on the above, feel free to do so below:Written answer · optional
  9. 9.
    If "Industry Conference" or "Other," please provide more details:Written answer · optional
  10. 10.
    Please state your full legal name:Short answer
  11. 11.
    Are you a transitioning service member?Yes or no
  12. 12.
    If yes, what partnership program are you working with?Pick one: Hiring our Heroes · NextOp · Skillbridge general (no program) · optional
  13. 13.
    If other, please provide further detailsWritten answer · optional
  14. 14.
    When are you available to start your fellowship?Written answer · optional
  15. 15.
    When are you available for full time work?Written answer · optional
  16. 16.
    What full time job(s) are you applying for?Written answer
  17. 17.
    Are you local to or willing to relocate?Yes or no
  18. 18.
    What office(s) would you be willing to relocate to? (Select all that apply)Pick any (7 options) · optional
  19. 19.
    If you selected international, what location(s)?Written answer · optional
  20. 20.
    What languages are you fluent in?Pick one (8 options) · optional
  21. 21.
    RelocationYes or no
  22. 22.
    Office(s) to Relocate ToPick any (7 options) · optional
  23. 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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