Hivemind Solutions Architect (R3836)

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the 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:

As an Architect designer on the HMS Architecture Team, you’ll be at the forefront of designing next-generation autonomous solutions by defining, managing, and governing a key system domain. You’ll collaborate closely with Hivemind (HM) counterparts—across Pilot, Foundation, Forge, and Commander—to seamlessly integrate your domain into the larger ecosystem. Balancing bold innovation with program objectives, you’ll proactively tackle emerging challenges before they impact HMS programs, all while building architectures that stand the test of time. In addition to driving the HMS technical roadmap, you’ll play a pivotal role on the Future Concepts team, pioneering cutting-edge autonomy applications for Shield AI in maritime and space environments. This unique vantage point gives you the chance to explore uncharted territory, pushing technical boundaries and unlocking novel possibilities for next-generation systems.

You’ll serve as the “belly button” for technical alignment between HM and HMS, ensuring both organizations remain in sync on roadmaps, designs, and execution strategies. Through close partnership with Chief Engineers and the joint Architecture Board, you’ll have significant influence over the technical roadmap, systems engineering processes, and strategic decision-making. In short, you’ll be the catalyst driving cohesive, forward-thinking solutions that turn big ideas into operational reality.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Domain & Design Ownership
• Lead the architecture for your specialized domain, defining designs, interfaces, and dependencies that effortlessly fit into the broader system.
• Stay ahead of evolving requirements, creating both short- and long-term technical strategies that spark innovation.
• Collaboration & Integration
• Partner with fellow architects and the Architecture Board to synchronize roadmaps, eliminate cross-domain hurdles, and keep complex programs on track.
• Act as the central conduit between Hivemind (HM) and HMS, proactively tackling challenges before they escalate.
• Technical Roadmap & Innovation
• Shape the future of your domain by driving a dynamic technical roadmap aligned with customer and program objectives.
• Champion IRAD opportunities and new concepts, ensuring cutting-edge ideas are tested, validated, and swiftly integrated.
• Governance & Stakeholder Engagement
• Influence Systems Engineering processes and program strategies in close coordination with Chief Engineers, keeping all decisions grounded in cohesive governance standards.
• Gather insights from diverse stakeholders—Systems Engineers, Program Managers, Business Development—to inform design choices and maintain continuous alignment.
• Testing & Evolution
• Define rigorous testing strategies that validate architectural integrity, ensuring every solution meets system-level objectives and user needs.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and novel applications for feasibility, helping guide HMS and HM into groundbreaking new territory.
  
  

KEY OUTCOMES:

• Delivery of robust, scalable architectures for their assigned domain, fully integrated into the overall system.
• Comprehensive documentation of MBSE artifacts, designs, interfaces, and testing strategies.
• Clear alignment of HM and HMS technical roadmaps and development strategies, communicated effectively to stakeholders.
• Technical innovation driven by a balance of short- and long-term program needs.
• Effective collaboration across architects, stakeholders, and teams to ensure alignment and coherence in execution.
  
  

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Lead the design and integration of complex system architectures for autonomous systems.
• Develop and maintain a technical roadmap that aligns with both immediate product milestones and broader strategic objectives.
• Participate in architecture reviews and provide technical guidance on best practices, design patterns, and technology choices.
• Proactively identify potential risks or bottlenecks and lead the effort to mitigate them.
  
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 8 years of experience in systems or software architecture for complex, distributed, or mission-critical applications.
• Demonstrated expertise in creating and managing architectural artifacts (e.g., system context diagrams, UML/SysML models, interface definitions, design patterns).
• Proven success coordinating diverse technical teams, resolving stakeholder conflicts, and ensuring cohesive end-to-end solutions.
• Solid understanding of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and modern software development methodologies in an Agile environment.
• Familiarity with architecture frameworks such as DoDAF, particularly in regulated or defense-oriented contexts.
• Strong track record of leading cross-functional governance boards or architecture councils to guide strategic decisions and maintain alignment among stakeholders.
  
  

$200,000 - $300,000 a year

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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.