Principal Engineer, Fluid & Thermal Systems (R5620)

The role

This Principal Fluid & Thermal Systems Engineer leads the design, development and optimization of fluid and thermal systems for autonomous UAVs and ground systems. The role includes prototyping, testing, validation and integrating solutions into larger system architectures.

What you will do

• Own design and analysis of fluid and thermal systems for aircraft and ground platforms
• Develop and implement innovative thermal solutions
• Use first-principles engineering to drive design decisions
• Research technologies for integration into complex solutions
• Conduct advanced simulations to predict system performance and refine designs
• Execute testing and validation, including data acquisition, post-processing and verification against requirements
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate designs into larger system architectures
• Mentor and guide junior engineers
• Identify suppliers and manage supplier relationships for components or systems
• Other duties as assigned

Required qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in fluid or thermal system design
• B.S. or advanced degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or related engineering
• Deep understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and system-level thermal management
• Experience implementing system models in commercial tools such as MATLAB Simscape or Amesim
• Experience developing custom engineering models in Excel and in MATLAB, Python or similar
• Experience in fluid and thermal system testing, including sensor integration, data acquisition and analysis
• Expertise in 3D CAD modeling tools such as Siemens NX or equivalent
• Ability to execute projects with minimal oversight and assume full ownership
• Excellence in supplier management, COTS component sourcing and trade studies
• Proven success in dynamic, fast-paced environments

Nice to have

• Extensive experience with fluid and thermal system design, analysis, manufacture and test for aircraft
• Familiarity with fluid and thermal system effects on aircraft performance
• Familiarity with startup or R&D environments
• Strong knowledge of environmental standards and certification processes for aerospace or defense systems
• A passion for innovation and pushing boundaries in fluid and thermal system development
• Ability to obtain an S//SAR level security clearance

Benefits

• Bonus
• Benefits package for full-time regular employees
• Equity for full-time regular employees
• Temporary benefits package for temporary employees, applicable after 60 days of employment

Before you apply

• Offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• Ability to obtain an S//SAR security clearance is desired
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.