# Staff Engineer, Survivability (Dallas) (R4607)

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Dallas, TX, Boston, MA, San Diego, CA
**Role:** Embedded Engineering
**Salary:** $168k – $253k/yr
**Experience:** 7+ years
**Skills:** Hfss, Cst Studio Suite, Xpatch, Sentri, Rcs Shaping, Radar-Absorbing Materials, Lo Coatings, Electromagnetic Simulation, Rcs Testing, Stealth Systems
**Posted:** 2025-05-23

> Designs and optimizes low observable features for autonomous aircraft, including RCS shaping, EM signature modeling with tools like HFSS and CST, and survivability testing. Requires 7+ years in LO engineering, EM simulation proficiency, and US Secret clearance.

## Job Description

## What You'll Do
- Design and optimize low observable (LO) features across the airframe focusing on shaping, edge treatments, radar-absorbing materials, and subsystem integration.
- Conduct modeling and simulation of electromagnetic signatures using industry-standard tools such as **HFSS**, **CST Studio Suite**, **Xpatch**, and **SENTRi**.
- Work with multidisciplinary teams in propulsion, avionics, structures, and AI to ensure survivability is baked into the system architecture from day one.
- Lead or support signature testing efforts, including indoor and outdoor RCS range tests, validation campaigns, and supplier-level hardware evaluations.
- Translate mission threats and requirements into survivability features that address RCS, thermal, visual, and acoustic observability constraints.
- Partner with materials scientists to mature radar-absorbing coatings and structural RAM for manufacturability and field durability.
- Support internal and customer assessments, threat modeling reviews, and milestone decisions throughout the program lifecycle.

## Required Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
- 7+ years of hands-on experience in LO or survivability engineering, preferably on tactical aircraft, UAVs, or stealth systems.
- Proficiency with EM simulation tools such as **HFSS**, **CST**, **Xpatch**, or **SENTRi**.
- Strong understanding of RCS shaping principles, edge treatments, cavity suppression, and materials integration.
- Practical experience with LO testing methods and RCS measurement equipment.
- Familiarity with radar-absorbing materials (RAM), LO coatings, and structural LO trade studies.
- Solid collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work across design, test, and manufacturing teams.
- U.S. Citizenship and active Secret clearance required (TS/SCI preferred).

## Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with military UAV platforms or 5th-gen fighter programs.
- Background in survivability analysis in contested environments (e.g., IADS, radar networks).
- Familiarity with platform CONOPS, threat modeling, and mission-level survivability assessments.
- Ability to contribute to the design, test, and fielding of a fully integrated LO platform.

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