Principal Engineer, Aero-Performance (R3267)

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge—as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software). With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide.  For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.    

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown a fighter jet (F-16), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (V-BAT), and a quadcopter (Nova). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies. 

As an Aerodynamics-Performance Engineer, you will lead the development and optimization of aerodynamic performance for aircraft engineering. Your expertise will be critical in ensuring that our aircraft achieve optimal aerodynamic efficiency, stability, and performance across a variety of operational conditions. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Lead the aerodynamic design, analysis, and optimization of UAS, focusing on performance, stability, and efficiency. 
• Conduct computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and wind tunnel tests to validate aerodynamic designs. 
• Develop and implement aerodynamic performance models and tools to support design and flight operations. 
• Support conceptual and preliminary design efforts of aircraft and components 
• Progress infrastructure for databases, codes, and tools management 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including structural engineers, propulsion engineers, and control systems engineers, to ensure integrated and optimized aircraft performance. 
• Analyze flight test data to validate and refine aerodynamic models and designs. 
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in aerodynamics and apply best practices to our systems. 
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of our engineering processes. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Typically requires a minimum of 15 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 14 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 12 years experience; or equivalent experience. 
• Extensive experience in aerodynamic design and analysis, particularly for unmanned or autonomous aircraft. 
• Experience partnering with a multidisciplinary engineering team, including mechanical, electrical, propulsion, software, and AI disciplines 
• Solid understanding of aerodynamic fundamentals, CFD techniques, and wind tunnel testing 
• Experience with aerodynamic tools and techniques, e.g. vortex-lattice, panel-method, etc. 
• Experience with Matlab or Python for data analysis 
• Familiarity with translating aerodynamic analyses into workable design solutions for flight vehicles 
• Familiarity with lofting/surfacing tools in Solidworks (or equivalent CAD software tools) for generating water-tight geometries 
• Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed expectations in a fast-paced environment. 
• You have a demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with UAVs or other autonomous systems. 
• Knowledge of aircraft propulsion systems and integration. 
• Familiarity with flight control systems and their impact on aerodynamic performance. 
• Experience with Pointwise, Tecplot or similar CFD software tools 
• Experience with low-speed airfoil design 
• Experience with wind tunnel testing 
• Experience with aeroelasticity and flutter analysis 

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Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.