# Senior Staff Engineer, Communications Systems (Dallas - BOS - SD)
**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Dallas, TX, Boston, MA, San Diego, CA
**Salary:** $170K-$250K
**Experience:** 8+ years
**Skills:** Rf Systems, Satcom, Software-Defined Radio, Sdr, Link-16, Cdl, Mil-Std-1553, Arinc 429, Sensor Fusion, Encryption, Ai Signal Processing
**Posted:** 2025-10-21
> Leads design, integration, and optimization of advanced communication systems including RF, SATCOM, data links, and SDR for next-generation autonomous aircraft. Requires 8+ years in UAV/military aircraft comms, expertise in secure protocols, and active Secret clearance.
## Job Description
## Responsibilities
- Lead the development and integration of data links, encryption, and secure communication architectures into the aircraft platform.
- Define system-level requirements and architectures for RF, SATCOM, optical, and software-defined radio (SDR) communication systems.
- Optimize low-latency, high-bandwidth data transfer and encryption to ensure mission-critical performance.
- Ensure seamless connectivity between the aircraft, command centers, and satellite networks, enhancing real-time data transmission and autonomy.
- Develop AI-driven sensor fusion algorithms to enhance payload performance in high-threat environments.
- Collaborate with avionics, software, and autonomy teams to ensure robust and secure system integration.
- Validate performance through simulation, flight testing, and field deployments.
- Work with DoD stakeholders and compliance teams to ensure mission readiness and adherence to cybersecurity standards.

## Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
- 8+ years of experience in RF communications or mission systems integration for UAVs or military aircraft.
- Strong expertise in RF systems, satellite communications (SATCOM), tactical data links (Link-16, CDL), and sensor integration.
- Proficiency in software-defined radio (SDR) technologies and secure, encrypted data transmission.
- Experience writing specifications for communications subsystems and architectures.
- Knowledge of MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, and other aerospace data bus standards.
- Experience working with classified communication protocols and DoD compliance.
- Active Secret clearance.

## Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with AI-enhanced signal processing and sensor fusion for ISR missions.
- Background in low-observable (stealth) communications architectures.
- Familiarity with electronic warfare (EW) and RF threat mitigation techniques.
- Experience supporting DoD or intelligence community mission operations.
- Active Top Secret clearance or eligible to achieve, as well as SCI eligible.
**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/senior-staff-engineer-communications-systems-dallas-bos-sd-at-shield-ai-a8f78a8d-32af-4959-8aa6-5da276945945
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/senior-staff-engineer-communications-systems-dallas-bos-sd-at-shield-ai-a8f78a8d-32af-4959-8aa6-5da276945945