Principal Systems Engineer, Safety (R3332)

The Principal Systems Engineer, Safety position at Shield AI requires a minimum of 12 years of industry experience in software engineering, systems engineering, or system safety engineering. Candidates should have a B.S. degree in Engineering and experience with airworthiness certification standards such as MIL-HDBK-516 and DO-178C. Furthermore, at least 5 years of technical leadership experience is necessary to lead projects effectively.

As a Principal Systems Engineer, Safety at Shield AI, you'll be responsible for evolving the Software and System Safety approach for the Hivemind Enterprise. This includes planning and supporting the design of Run Time Assurance capabilities, creating certifiability guides, and communicating technical risks to leadership. You will also play a vital role in supporting Systems Integration and Test activities, ensuring a strong focus on safety best practices.

Valuable skills for the Principal Systems Engineer, Safety position at Shield AI include a strong understanding of software certification and safety processes, excellent technical communication, and the ability to track and mitigate risks. In-depth knowledge of certification standards related to complex software systems will also benefit in achieving the objectives of this role.

At Shield AI, we commit to providing professional growth opportunities for all employees, including our Principal Systems Engineer, Safety. As part of an innovative company, you will have access to continuous learning programs, mentorship from experienced leaders, and involvement in pioneering projects that allow you to enhance your expertise in autonomy and safety practices.

The salary for the Principal Systems Engineer, Safety role at Shield AI ranges from $208,013 to $312,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Additionally, a comprehensive benefits package, including bonuses and equity options, is offered to full-time regular employees, ensuring a compelling total compensation package.

Highlight your passion for advancing safety in defense technology and how Shield AI’s mission aligns with your career goals. Discuss specific experiences that drew you to this role, showcasing your commitment to innovation in autonomy.

Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with certification standards such as MIL-HDBK-516 and DO-178C. Provide examples of how you've applied these standards in your previous projects, emphasizing any challenges faced and how you overcame them.

Explain your systematic approach to risk assessment, emphasizing methodologies you've utilized, such as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). Provide examples where risk assessments led to significant improvements in project outcomes and safety.

Share an example of a project where you took on a leadership role. Discuss any obstacles encountered in technical alignment or communication and demonstrate how you successfully navigated these challenges to achieve project objectives.

Articulate your strategies for promoting compliance, such as regular training sessions, adherence audits, and the creation of safety guidelines. Highlight specific instances where these strategies effectively improved safety practices within your teams.

Describe your approach to translating complex technical information into clear, actionable insights for executive leadership. Include techniques such as using visual aids or metrics that highlight the implications of identified risks.

Discuss your experience in creating certifiability guides, detailing the process you followed, and the collaboration involved with different stakeholders. Highlight how these guides improved the development process within your past projects.

Indicate your experience in supporting Systems Integration and Test processes, including the development of Qualification Test Plans. Provide examples where you facilitated integration efforts and contributed to successful testing outcomes.

Share your methods for staying updated with the latest trends in systems safety, such as attending industry conferences, engaging in professional networks, or conducting your own research. Emphasize the importance of continuous learning in your profession.

Provide a clear definition of Run Time Assurance in the context of software safety, and describe its importance in the development of autonomous systems. Discuss how your understanding of this concept informs your work at a high level.