Staff Engineer, Aircraft Configuration Design (R5830)

The role

You will help design next-generation autonomous UAV aircraft, including configuration layout, aerodynamics, structures and system integration. The role works with multi-disciplinary teams from concept through prototype and production.

What you will do

• Assist in conceptual and preliminary design of UAV platforms for optimal aerodynamic and structural configurations.
• Support aircraft sizing, weight estimation and trade studies of airframe configurations.
• Work with mechanical, electrical, propulsion and avionics teams to integrate systems.
• Develop and refine 3D CAD models of aircraft structures, subsystems and flight-critical components.
• Perform basic aerodynamic and structural analysis using computational tools.
• Participate in design reviews, trade studies and prototype development.
• Support rapid prototyping and wind tunnel testing of scaled models.
• Assist in requirements, documentation and verification planning for subsystems.
• Ensure designs meet manufacturing feasibility, mission requirements and aerospace standards.
• Work with manufacturing and production teams to move designs from concept to full-scale production.

Required qualifications

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

Nice to have

• Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical or Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with UAV design or aircraft conceptual design.
• Familiarity with aircraft performance modeling, stability and 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 in a fast-paced, high-tech startup or defense environment.
• Active TS clearance or ability to obtain a TS clearance.

Benefits

• Bonus for full-time regular employees.
• Benefits 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

• An active Secret clearance is required.
• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
• 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.