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 ...
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 ...
Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration - Emerging Domains (R5401)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$195K - $292K/yr
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 ...
Quick apply
Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration - Emerging Domains (R5401)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$195K - $292K/yr
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 ...
Senior Manager, Treasury (R5211)
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$140K - $250K/yr
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 ...
Senior Manager, Treasury (R5211)
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$140K - $250K/yr
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 ...
Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration - Emerging Domains (R5401)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$110K - $148K/yr
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 ...
Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration - Emerging Domains (R5401)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$110K - $148K/yr
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 ...
Senior Manager, Treasury (R5211)
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$140K - $250K/yr
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 ...
Senior Manager, Treasury (R5211)
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$140K - $250K/yr
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 ...
Aerostructures Design Engineer II (R4953)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$88K - $132K/yr
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 ...
Aerostructures Design Engineer II (R4953)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$88K - $132K/yr
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 ...
Power Electronics - Thermal Engineer I (R4842)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$76K - $114K/yr
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 ...
Power Electronics - Thermal Engineer I (R4842)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$76K - $114K/yr
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 ...
Aerostructures Design Engineer II (R4953)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$88K - $132K/yr
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 ...
Aerostructures Design Engineer II (R4953)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$88K - $132K/yr
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 ...
Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration - Emerging Domains (R5401)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$110K - $148K/yr
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 ...
Staff Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration - Emerging Domains (R5401)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$110K - $148K/yr
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 ...
Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering - Avionics (R4416)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$185K - $277K/yr
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 ...
Quick apply
Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering - Avionics (R4416)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$185K - $277K/yr
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 ...
Senior Aerostructures Design Engineer (R5158)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$112K - $168K/yr
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 ...
Senior Aerostructures Design Engineer (R5158)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$112K - $168K/yr
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 ...
Senior Aerostructures Design Engineer (R5158)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$112K - $168K/yr
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 ...
Senior Aerostructures Design Engineer (R5158)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$112K - $168K/yr
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 ...
Staff Aerostructures Design Engineer (R5159)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$136K - $205K/yr
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 ...
Staff Aerostructures Design Engineer (R5159)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$136K - $205K/yr
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 ...
Manager, Accounting (R5544)
$120K - $190K/yr
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 ...
Quick apply
Manager, Accounting (R5544)
$120K - $190K/yr
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 ...
Principal Designer (R5250)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$230K - $340K/yr
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 ...
Quick apply
Principal Designer (R5250)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$230K - $340K/yr
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 ...
Principal Technical Product Manager (R5249)
$220K - $330K/yr
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 ...
New
Quick apply
Principal Technical Product Manager (R5249)
$220K - $330K/yr
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 ...
New
Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R5202)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$131K - $197K/yr
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 ...
Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R5202)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$131K - $197K/yr
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 ...
Staff Aerostructures Design Engineer (R5159)
$136K - $205K/yr
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 ...
Quick apply
Staff Aerostructures Design Engineer (R5159)
$136K - $205K/yr
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 ...
Aerostructures Design Engineer II (R5156)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$88K - $132K/yr
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 ...
Aerostructures Design Engineer II (R5156)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$88K - $132K/yr
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Shield information
See California salary details
$45.4K - $56K
1% of jobs
$56K - $66.7K
0% of jobs
$66.7K - $77.3K
2% of jobs
$77.3K - $87.9K
14% of jobs
$93.2K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$87.9K - $98.6K
17% of jobs
The median wage is $105.6K / yr.
$98.6K - $109.2K
25% of jobs
$119.2K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$109.2K - $119.8K
18% of jobs
$119.8K - $130.5K
13% of jobs
$130.5K - $141.1K
5% of jobs
$141.1K - $151.7K
4% of jobs
$151.7K - $162.3K
2% of jobs
$45.4K
$111.2K
$162.3K
How much do shield jobs pay per year?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a shield, and why are they important?
What is the difference between Shield vs Security Guard?
| Aspect | Shield | Security Guard |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Security license, training in protective tactics | Security license, basic training in surveillance and access control |
| Work Environment | High-risk areas, private security firms | Public spaces, commercial buildings, events |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Private security companies, corporate security | Security firms, government agencies, private clients |
Both Shield and Security Guard roles involve protecting people and property, but Shield often refers to specialized protective services with advanced training, while Security Guards typically focus on surveillance and access control in various settings. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or security service.
What are some common challenges faced by professionals in shield operations and how can they be overcome?
What is a shield?
What are popular job titles related to Shield jobs in California?
For Shield jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Shield jobs in California look for?
The top searched job categories for Shield jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Shield jobs?
Cities in California with the most Shield job openings:

Job description
Job Description:
Shield AI was founded to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. We are building the world's best AI pilot and the aircraft that enable autonomy at scale. Our technology operates in complex, contested environments where GPS and communications may be denied, degraded, or unavailable.
The technology we build demands cross-functional teaming and collaborative execution to solve the hardest problems in autonomy, aerospace engineering, and robotics. Engineers at Shield AI do not work in silos - they work shoulder-to-shoulder across disciplines to rapidly move from concept to flight-ready systems deployed in the real world.
X-BAT represents the next generation of autonomous airpower: a runway-independent, AI-piloted aircraft designed to execute missions in highly contested environments. Powered by Hivemind, Shield AI's combat-proven autonomy stack, X-BAT combines long-range performance, survivability, and autonomous mission execution into a scalable operational platform.
As Director of Aerostructures for X-BAT, you will lead the strategy, architecture, development, integration, and scaling of advanced aircraft structures across one of the most ambitious autonomous aviation programs in the industry. You will oversee multidisciplinary structural engineering teams responsible for metallic and composite primary structures, subsystem integration, manufacturability, structural analysis, and flight-worthy execution from prototype through production.
This role requires a technically elite aerospace leader who thrives in fast-moving environments, can build and scale high-performing engineering organizations, and is energized by solving complex problems that directly impact national security.
What you'll do:
- Lead the aerostructures organization for the X-BAT program, including design, analysis, integration, testing, and certification strategy
- Drive development of lightweight, manufacturable, survivable aircraft structures optimized for autonomous combat aircraft operations
- Partner closely with flight sciences, propulsion, avionics, manufacturing, autonomy, flight test, and supply chain teams to deliver integrated aircraft solutions
- Establish engineering processes, design standards, configuration management, and structural development roadmaps across the program lifecycle
- Lead structural trade studies balancing weight, performance, cost, producibility, maintainability, and mission requirements
- Oversee development and validation of composite and metallic airframe structures, including primary load-bearing assemblies
- Build and mentor a world-class aerostructures engineering team capable of rapid execution and technical excellence
- Support transition from development programs into scalable production environments
- Drive root-cause analysis and corrective action efforts for structural, manufacturing, and flight-test findings
- Present technical reviews, program risks, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and external stakeholders
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- 12+ years of aerospace structural engineering experience, including leadership responsibility on advanced aircraft programs
- Deep expertise in aircraft primary structures, composites, metallic design, structural analysis, and integration
- Experience leading teams through full aircraft development cycles from conceptual design through flight test and production
- Strong understanding of aircraft loads, stress analysis, fatigue, durability, and structural substantiation methodologies
- Experience collaborating across highly integrated aerospace development organizations
- Proven ability to recruit, develop, and scale high-performing engineering teams
- Experience operating in fast-paced development environments with aggressive technical schedules
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
Preferred qualifications:
- Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline
- Experience with autonomous aircraft, tactical aviation, unmanned systems, or defense aerospace platforms
- Expertise in composite airframe manufacturing and high-rate production methodologies
- Background supporting low observable, survivability, or expeditionary aircraft design considerations
- Familiarity with military airworthiness standards and defense acquisition environments
- Experience supporting prototype-to-production transitions in venture-backed or high-growth aerospace organizationsDirector, Aerostructures - X-BAT
$210,000 - $320,000 a year
#LI-KK1
#LF
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.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
About Shield AI
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Software development
Company size
11 - 50 Employees
Headquarters location
San Diego, CA, US
Year founded
2015