# Principal Engineer, Survivability (R4608)
**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** San Diego, CA, Dallas, TX, Washington, DC
**Salary:** $200K-$310K
**Experience:** 10+ years
**Skills:** Hfss, Cst Studio Suite, Xpatch, Sentri, Rcs Shaping, Radar-Absorbing Materials, Lo Testing, Electromagnetic Simulation, Edge Treatments, Ram Coatings
**Posted:** 2026-04-08
> Designs and optimizes low observable features for autonomous aircraft, focusing on RCS shaping, EM signature modeling, and survivability integration. Requires 10+ years in LO engineering, proficiency in tools like HFSS and CST, 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.
- 10+ 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.

## 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.
- Active Top Secret or SCI clearance.
**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/principal-engineer-survivability-r4608-at-shield-ai-133e99c3-3f2f-41f1-930c-322c592aaf41
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/principal-engineer-survivability-r4608-at-shield-ai-133e99c3-3f2f-41f1-930c-322c592aaf41