Senior Staff Engineer, System Security (R6509)
Full-time,
Dallas, TX, USA
USD 175k-262k / year + Equity
Posted on Nov 11, 2026
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
We are seeking a Systems Security Engineer to support embedded Cybersecurity and Anti-Tamper activities for aerospace and defense platforms. The role is responsible for applying the DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF) and working with government customers to achieve Authorization to Operate (ATO) for the systems. The team member will also be involved with developing the AT artifacts and documentation for customer AT plan approval.
What you'll do:
- Carry out the DoD RMF process and develop the evidence needed to achieve the ATO.
- Define the embedded cybersecurity architecture, requirements, models, documentation, and trade studies.
- Perform threat modeling, attack-surface analysis, vulnerability assessments, and cyber risk assessments.
- Develop the program's AT artifacts and documentation to support government approval of the AT plan.
- Plan and execute the cybersecurity implementation and verification
- Coordinate between internal teams, stakeholders, suppliers, and customers to effectively communicate and integrate the Cybersecurity solution
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, systems engineering, or a related STEM field, plus at least 8 years of related experience.
- Experience with the systems engineering process of developing embedded Cybersecurity solutions in aerospace and defense systems.
- Experience with threat modeling, secure system architecture, vulnerability analysis, and security testing.
- Familiarity with NIST SP 800-53 and NIST SP 800-160 volumes 1 and 2
- Strong technical leadership, writing, and customer communication skills.
- Active Secret security clearance with ability to obtain special access
Preferred qualifications:
- Knowledge of avionics, mission systems, platform networks, communications, or data links.
- Experience with Anti-Tamper, Critical Program Information (CPI) assessments, Key Management Plans, Supply Chain Risk Management, Software Assurance, or Cross Domain Solutions.
- Hands-on experience with penetration testing or adversarial assessments.
- CISSP certification
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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.
175000 - 262000 USD a year