Staff Engineer Aircraft Configuration Design Ranger
Shield AI is a U.S. defense-technology company developing mission-autonomy software and autonomous aircraft for military and allied operations.
Funding history
Investors
About Shield AI
Founded in 2015, Shield AI builds Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft for operations in contested, GPS- and communications-denied environments. Its current site also presents Aechelon synthetic-reality simulation and Vision Systems detection and tracking products.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will support conceptual and preliminary UAV design, aircraft sizing, weight estimation, and configuration trade studies. You will develop CAD models, perform basic aerodynamic and structural analysis, support prototype and wind-tunnel testing, and help transition designs into production.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering, or a related field
- Minimum of 7 years of related experience in aircraft design, configuration layout, or airframe integration
- Proficiency in CAD modeling for airframe and structural design
- Understanding of aircraft aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion-system integration
- Ability to perform basic FEA, CFD, or weight-and-balance assessments
- Problem-solving, attention to detail, cross-functional teamwork, communication, and technical documentation skills
- Active Secret clearance
Responsibilities
- Assist with conceptual and preliminary design of UAV platforms
- Support aircraft sizing, weight estimation, and airframe configuration trade studies
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, propulsion, and avionics engineers on system integration
- Develop and refine 3D CAD models of aircraft structures, subsystems, and flight-critical components
- Perform basic aerodynamic and structural analyses
- Participate in design reviews, trade studies, and prototype development
- Support rapid prototyping and wind-tunnel testing
- Assist with requirements development, documentation, and verification planning
- Ensure designs meet manufacturing, mission, and aerospace standards
- Support transition from concept to prototype and full-scale production
Benefits
- Bonus
- Equity