Lead Aerospace Engineer - Flight Performance & Endurance

AI Chopping Block; Dallas, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an Aerospace Engineer to own flight performance, endurance, and CG for the V-BAT. Translate flight dynamics and environmental conditions into validated models guiding design decisions, payload integration, and autonomy software.

Work across design, propulsion, guidance, flight test, and go-to-market teams to enhance capability and reliability. You will perform endurance analyses, CG ownership, aero/engine modeling, and flight test planning while communicating findings to

Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• 3+ years of aerospace/defense experience.
• Understanding of fixed-wing flight dynamics and propulsion fundamentals.
• Proficiency in analyzing large data sets (Python, MATLAB) and validating models.
• Experience developing or maintaining aircraft weight and CG models.

Responsibilities

• Analyze performance metrics: endurance, range, loiter, cruise using flight dynamics and environment.
• Own the weight & CG model with tracking, budgets and reporting across design changes.
• Model aerodynamics and propulsion; support guidance and controls system improvements.
• Collaborate with Mechanical and Propulsion teams on design impact to airframe and surfaces.
• Evaluate payloads and configurations with Go-To-Market teams for endurance impact.
• Plan and drive flight test campaigns to validate envelopes and data correlations.
• Investigate root causes of performance anomalies and drive corrective actions.
• Define operational envelope requirements and performance specifications.

Skills

Python

Data analysis

Technical communication

Cross-functional collaboration

MATLAB

Education

B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent)

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

XFLR5

AVL

Job description

Shield AI is seeking an Aerospace Engineer to own flight performance, endurance, and CG for the V-BAT. Translate flight dynamics and environmental conditions into validated models guiding design decisions, payload integration, and autonomy software.

Work across design, propulsion, guidance, flight test, and go-to-market teams to enhance capability and reliability. You will perform endurance analyses, CG ownership, aero/engine modeling, and flight test planning while communicating findings to