Director, Systems Safety at Shieldai

At Shield AI, we are dedicated to building the future of autonomous technology. Our mission centers on creating intelligent AI Pilots that operate safely and reliably across a wide range of platforms. By joining us, you will help define the architecture and frameworks that make advanced autonomy possible, working at the intersection of complex hardware and software systems to ensure our technology meets the highest standards of safety and performance.

The role

We are looking for an experienced Director of Systems Safety to join our team on a full-time basis. This is an executive-level position that requires an on-site presence at our offices in San Diego, California, Frisco, Texas, or Crystal City, Virginia. You will lead a specialized team of experts to shape how we approach safety in our AI-driven products, partnering closely with internal engineering groups and external safety communities.

Core responsibilities

• Define and evolve our overarching software and system safety strategies while developing certification plans for our AI technology.
• Serve as a primary technical advisor to our executive leadership team, clearly communicating risks and presenting safety analysis results to external stakeholders like the DoD and FAA.
• Act as a subject matter expert during the design and development process, guiding teams through functional hazard analyses, fault tree analyses, and qualification test planning for complex aircraft and ground systems.

Skills and experience

To be successful in this role, you should possess a strong background in engineering and safety standards. We require the following qualifications:

• At least 15 years of industry experience as a software, flight controls, or system safety engineer.
• A Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
• Proven experience working with advanced hardware and software systems, specifically within aircraft, spacecraft, or UAV operations.
• Deep familiarity with industry standards including MIL-STD-1629, MIL-STD-882, and DO-178.
• An active security clearance at the Secret or Top Secret level.
• Proficiency in English.

We also value candidates who hold a Master of Science degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering, as well as those with experience in technical writing, requirements drafting, and electrical engineering.

Compensation and benefits

We provide a collaborative environment where you will work alongside multidisciplinary teams on cutting-edge technology. While we do not have specific salary figures to share at this time, we offer a comprehensive professional experience that allows you to influence the future of autonomous systems.

How to apply

If you are passionate about safety and want to lead the development of world-class AI Pilots, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application through our careers portal, ensuring your resume highlights your experience with complex systems and your current security clearance status.