S
Shieldai6mo ago
USD 136730–205096/yr

Staff Engineer, Aircraft Configuration Design (R4028)

United StatesUnited States·San DiegoFull Time Employeelead
OtherEngineerStaff Engineer
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Quick Summary

Overview

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.

Technical Tools
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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 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:
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 flight?critical 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.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or related field).
  • 5 years of 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 cross?functional teams.
  • Excellent communication and technical documentation skills.
  • Active Secret clearance  
  • 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.  

    • Location & Eligibility

    Where is the job
    San Diego, United States
    On-site at the office
    Who can apply
    Open to applicants worldwide
    Listed under
    United States

    Listing Details

    Posted
    October 17, 2025
    First seen
    March 25, 2026
    Last seen
    May 8, 2026

    Posting Health

    Days active
    43
    Repost count
    0
    Trust Level
    42%
    Scored at
    May 8, 2026

    Signal breakdown

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    Staff Engineer, Aircraft Configuration Design (R4028)USD 136730–205096
    Apply Now