Lead Avionics Thermal Engineer

Speedrun Talent Network; Dallas, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Thermal Engineer to own avionics thermal management for V-BAT and related aircraft systems, from concept through qualification and production. You will define thermal architecture, models, and verification strategies, guiding cross-functional teams across mechanical, electrical, PCBA, and systems groups.

The role requires 8+ years in avionics or electronics thermal engineering, deep heat transfer knowledge, CFD proficiency (ANSYS Icepak, FloEFD), and a track record

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in avionics or electronics thermal engineering, including technical ownership through production.
• Expert knowledge of heat transfer and fluid mechanics, with ability to validate models from first principles.
• Proven experience defining and integrating active and passive cooling solutions.
• Experience with thermal analysis tools and CAD/PLM environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical owner for avionics thermal management from concept through design, analysis, qualification and production.
• Define avionics thermal architecture, requirements, and interfaces for bays, enclosures, and components.
• Develop and review thermal models and CFD analyses, set modeling standards and margin policies.
• Lead trade studies and system architecture decisions balancing performance, weight, cost, and schedule.
• Define qualification/verification strategy; lead test planning, instrumentation, and data analysis.
• Influence electrical/PCBA design for thermal performance; guide component placement and dissipation budgets.
• Author thermal specifications and statements of work; evaluate heat sinks, cold plates, vapor chambers, and fans.
• Lead thermal content at design reviews; produce traceable technical reports.
• Mentor junior engineers and review analyses; guide cross-disciplinary teams.
• Identify and mitigate program-level thermal risks.

Skills

Heat transfer knowledge

Thermal analysis

CFD tools

Thermal management design

Mentoring

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Education

B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace

M.S. preferred

Tools

ANSYS Icepak

FloEFD

STAR-CCM+

NX

SolidWorks

PLM

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Thermal Engineer to own avionics thermal management for V-BAT and related aircraft systems, from concept through qualification and production. You will define thermal architecture, models, and verification strategies, guiding cross-functional teams across mechanical, electrical, PCBA, and systems groups.

The role requires 8+ years in avionics or electronics thermal engineering, deep heat transfer knowledge, CFD proficiency (ANSYS Icepak, FloEFD), and a track record