Principal Engineer, Survivability

About the role

You will architect and execute the end to end low observable strategy for Shieldai autonomous aircraft, owning the full design cycle from concept to flight test. In this capacity, you will define the survivability architecture, ensuring radar cross section, infrared, and acoustic signatures are proactively managed throughout the vehicle lifecycle. You will partner closely with air vehicle, propulsion, and autonomy teams to embed survivability into every major design decision, balancing performance, weight, and cost. You will lead the development of advanced electromagnetic models, simulations, and LO material selections that directly enable mission success in denied environments. You will own the creation and validation of test methods that prove compliance with stringent operational and specification requirements. You will mentor engineers across the organization on best practices in signature control, fostering a culture where survivability is a first class design driver. You will interface with customers and program offices to translate emerging threats into evolving design envelopes and performance targets. You will continuously explore and evaluate cutting edge materials, processing techniques, and manufacturing methods to maintain Shieldai at the forefront of low observable innovation.

Key facts

What youll do

Define and evolve the end to end survivability roadmap for Shieldai autonomous aircraft programs, aligning technical scope with mission objectives and schedule commitments.

Lead the radar cross section reduction program, directing layout strategies, edge geometry optimization, and internal component placement to achieve demanding LO targets.

Develop high fidelity electromagnetic models that simulate scattering behavior across frequency bands, polarization states, and aspect angles using both ray tracing and full wave methods.

Collaborate with materials engineering to specify and qualify LO coatings, surface treatments, and structural substrates that meet durability, environmental, and manufacturing constraints.

Own the creation of parametric electromagnetic models that support rapid trade studies for design iterations, enabling data driven decisions during concept and preliminary design phases.

Establish and maintain measurement procedures in both anechoic and semi anechoic facilities, ensuring traceable, repeatable validation of radar signature predictions against physical articles.

Drive the integration of survivability requirements with the overall systems engineering process, translating threat data into concrete performance budgets and verification criteria.

Lead failure mode and effects analysis activities specific to signature performance, identifying single points of degradation and defining robust mitigation strategies.

Partner with autonomy and flight controls teams to ensure that survivability constraints are respected within navigation, routing, and tactics decision frameworks.

Support the development of digital twin capabilities that project signature performance over the lifecycle of the aircraft, incorporating environmental and damage state inputs.

Coordinate with external partners and suppliers to ensure that procured components and subassemblies conform to established electromagnetic and thermal performance requirements.

Champion the adoption of advanced simulation tools and workflows that compress test cycles, reduce risk, and accelerate the path from prototype to operational deployment.

Document all survivability analyses, test plans, and results in a clear, reusable format that supports audits, customer reviews, and future engineering iterations.

Act as the technical authority for signature related decisions within the vehicle development board, providing well justified recommendations backed by quantitative evidence.

Promote continuous improvement by tracking key performance indicators, benchmarking against emerging threats, and updating design guidelines based on measured outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

Demonstrated expertise in radar cross section analysis, reduction techniques, and electromagnetic scattering modeling using industry standard tools.

Proven experience with low observable materials, coatings, and manufacturing processes, including an understanding of their limitations and environmental interactions.

Strong background in electromagnetic theory, wave propagation, and antenna principles as they apply to signature prediction and measurement.

Experience with both far field and near field measurement techniques, and familiarity with test range procedures, instrumentation, and uncertainty analysis.

Ability to translate high level mission requirements into specific electromagnetic and thermal signature budgets that guide design and verification activities.

Proficiency in scripting and modeling languages commonly used in electromagnetics, including the ability to automate analysis workflows and manage data pipelines.

U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. citizenship, due to the export control and security sensitive nature of the work.

Active ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance, with a willingness to undergo the associated investigation and adjudication process.

Experience working in regulated defense environments, understanding the implications of International Traffic in Arms Regulations and export control compliance.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to both engineering and executive audiences.

Proven capacity to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with mechanical engineers, software developers, and systems engineers.

Commitment to maintaining technical currency in emerging signature management approaches, including metamaterials, adaptive surfaces, and advanced composites.

Willingness to travel to test facilities, partner sites, and customer locations as required to validate designs and support field evaluations.

Nice to have

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline with a focus on electromagnetics or photonics.

Prior experience with stealth aircraft programs, classified or unclassified, in a defense prime or specialized technology supplier role.

Demonstrated success in leading large scale signature test campaigns, including coordination with range personnel and interpretation of high fidelity measurement data.

Familiarity with simulation tools specific to radar cross section, infrared signature, and acoustic analysis, and the ability to influence tool selection and roadmap.

Experience with emerging manufacturing methods such as additive manufacturing as they apply to LO parts, including process qualification and inspection challenges.

Knowledge of human factors and visual signature management relevant to operations in contested environments.

Background in modeling dynamic platform signatures across different flight regimes, including takeoff, cruise, and landing conditions.

Experience mentoring early career engineers, including technical coaching and participation in professional development programs.

Practical notes

U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. citizenship is required.

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance is required.

Travel to test facilities, partner sites, and customer locations may be required.

This role is eligible for hybrid work arrangements, with expectations set in collaboration with the team based on role and operational needs.