Staff Engineer, Aircraft Configuration Design (R5830)

San Diego, Californiafull time

On Site

senior

H1B: no

Shield Staff Engineer for Aircraft Configuration Design supporting next-generation autonomous UAV development. Assist in design, optimization, and integration of aircraft configurations ensuring harmonized aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and mission systems.

Responsibilities

Shield AI is seeking an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to support the development of next-generation autonomous UAVs. In this role, you will assist in the design, optimization, and integration of aircraft configurations, ensuring that vehicle aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and mission systems are harmonized for performance, manufacturability, and operational effectiveness.
This position is ideal for a mechanical or aerospace engineer with a passion for cutting edge aircraft design, multi-disciplinary systems integration, and iterative prototyping in a fast-paced defense technology environment.
Assist in the conceptual and preliminary design of Shield AI’s UAV platforms, ensuring optimal aerodynamic and structural configurations.
Support aircraft sizing, weight estimation, and trade studies to evaluate different airframe configurations.
Work with multi-disciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, propulsion, avionics) to ensure seamless system integration.
Develop and refine 3D CAD models of aircraft structures, subsystems, and flightcritical components.
Perform basic aerodynamic and structural analysis using computational tools to assess feasibility and performance impacts.
Participate in design reviews, system trade studies, and prototype development efforts.
Support rapid prototyping and wind tunnel testing of scaled models to validate design concepts.
Assist in requirements development, documentation, and verification planning for aircraft subsystems.
Ensure designs comply with manufacturing feasibility, mission requirements, and aerospace industry standards.
Work closely with manufacturing and production teams to transition designs from concept to prototype and full-scale production.

Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in AerospaceProficiency in CAD modeling (NXAbility to perform basic FEAStrong problem-solving skillsActive Secret clearanceMaster’s degree in AerospaceKnowledge of manufacturing techniquesExperience working in a fast-paced

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or related field).
Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience in aircraft design, configuration layout, or airframe integration.
Proficiency in CAD modeling (NX, SolidWorks, or similar) for airframe and structural design.
Basic understanding of aircraft aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion system integration.
Ability to perform basic FEA, CFD, or weight & balance assessments.
Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in crossfunctional teams.
Excellent communication and technical documentation skills.
Active Secret clearance

Preferred

Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or related field).
Experience with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) design or aircraft conceptual design.
Familiarity with aircraft performance modeling, stability & control, and flight dynamics.
Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping, wind tunnel testing, or flight hardware development.
Knowledge of manufacturing techniques, composite materials, and aerospace structural design principles.
Experience working in a fast-paced, high-tech startup or defense environment.
Active TS clearance or ability to gain a TS clearance.
Full-time regular employee offer package:

Benefits

Equity/RSU

Company

Shield

View company page

Source: ashby

Active within the past hour

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Must-Have Skills for This Role

CAD modelingNXSolidWorksAerodynamicsStructural analysisFEA

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