Engineer II, Future Concepts (R5910)

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:

The Future Concepts team plays a critical role in shaping next-generation technical concepts and solutions for Hivemind applications across multiple domains. Working closely with Product, Engineering, Architecture, and customer-facing teams, Future Concepts Engineers turn emerging technologies, operational needs, and novel ideas into detailed concepts and models. In this role, you will drive innovation by blending creativity with robust technical expertise. You will explore new applications for Hivemind and use data-driven analysis to assess alternatives and inform decisions. By contributing to white papers, proposals, and technical presentations, you will help shape the future roadmap for Hivemind and ensure that it remains on the cutting edge of advanced autonomy and AI.

The ideal candidate for this role is a curious problem-solver who can generate original ideas and make them technically credible. 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 Hivemind’s evolving portfolio.

What you'll do:

• Develop technology-driven future concepts for Hivemind applications across air, space, land, and maritime domains.

• Translate emerging customer needs, operational challenges, and technology trends into compelling and technically credible concepts and mission-oriented use cases for autonomous systems.

• Produce concept studies, analytical reports, white papers, RFIs, proposals, and other high-quality technical artifacts to explore how future capabilities could create value.

• Use quantitative programming or analysis tools to organize data, build models, and communicate results.

• Generate and deliver clear technical briefings for internal and external audiences, adapting complex material for both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.

• Collaborate with Product, Engineering, Architecture, and Go-To-Market teams to align future concepts with technical roadmaps and early-stage product development.

• Monitor developments in aerospace, defense, autonomy, robotics, and related technologies to identify new opportunities and challenges.

• Travel to customer sites as needed to support engagements, gather insights, and present concepts and analysis.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, operations research, data science, or another relevant quantitative field.

• 2+ years of experience in engineering, technical analysis, concept development, modeling and simulation, product management, or a related area.

• Demonstrated ability to use qualitative and quantitative analysis to support technical decision-making.

• Ability to explain complex material clearly to both technical and nontechnical audiences through written products and verbal briefings.

• Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills, including the ability to apply creativity and collaboration to ambiguous or evolving problems.

• Experience with at least one quantitative programming, modeling, or analysis tool, such as Python, MATLAB, C++, or similar.

• Familiarity with aerospace, autonomy, robotics, or defense systems.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a USG security clearance.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree in a relevant quantitative or technical field.

• Experience developing novel concepts, models, or analytical artifacts to explore complex technical questions.

• Familiarity with trade studies, modeling and simulation, sensitivity analysis, data visualization, or other structured approaches to comparing technical alternatives.

• Experience briefing customers, executives, operators, government stakeholders, or other decision-makers.

• Experience contributing to product roadmaps, white papers, RFIs, proposals, or customer-facing technical material.

• Prior military operations, mission analysis, or defense-industry experience.

• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance.

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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.

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.