Staff Engineer, Future Concepts
Shield AI
Washington, DC, USA
Posted on May 31, 2025
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge—as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software). With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Future Concepts team plays a critical role in shaping next-generation technical concepts and solutions for Hivemind (HM) use across multiple domains. Working closely with the Architecture team to synchronize technical roadmaps, as well as partnering with Product teams to build out early-stage product concepts, Future Concepts Engineers drive innovation by blending creativity with robust technical expertise. By contributing to white papers, proposals, and technical presentations, this role ensures that HM remains on the cutting edge of advanced technologies and customer-driven use cases. If you thrive on collaboration, enjoy engaging with customers, and possess a strong foundation in engineering, you’ll find a dynamic environment here for developing transformative solutions that push the boundaries of HM’s evolving portfolio.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
- Build technology driven future concepts for Hivemind applications in air, space, land and sea.
- Apply engineering rigor to concepts aligning our technology roadmap with new and evolving applications.
- Generate and deliver technical briefings tailored to internal and external engagement needs.
- Contribute to white papers, Requests for Information (RFIs), contract reviews, and proposals.
- Collaborate with the engineering team to address customer feedback and drive product improvements.
- Visit customers on-site globally to support pre-sales activities, gathering insights for future concepts.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- 7+ years of industry experience.
- Strong technical writing skills and demonstrated ability to produce high-quality documentation.
- Track record of developing new technical capabilities.
- Hands-on technical background in conceptualizing and building systems.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills for handling complex technical challenges.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 3+ years of experience in advanced technology development
- 3+ years of experience working in a startup environment, demonstrating adaptability and initiative.
- Experience serving as an advanced concepts engineer or lead.
- Experience in the aviation, space, maritime, autonomy, or robotics industry.
- Active or previously held USG Security Clearance (highly valued but not required).
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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.
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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.