Lead UAV Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer

Shieldai; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI in San Diego is seeking an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to support the development of next-generation autonomous UAVs. You will assist in the design, optimization, and integration of aircraft configurations, ensuring aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and mission systems harmonize for performance and manufacturability.

Ideal candidates are mechanical or aerospace engineers with hands-on prototyping, experience with CAD (NX/SolidWorks), and a track record in fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or related field).
• Master'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).
• Basic understanding of aircraft aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion system integration.
• Ability to perform basic FEA, CFD, or weight & balance assessments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and cross-functional collaboration.
• Active Secret clearance or ability to gain TS clearance.
• Experience with UAV design or aircraft conceptual design.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conceptual and preliminary design of UAV configurations.
• Support aircraft sizing, weight estimation, and trade studies.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, propulsion, and avionics teams for integration.
• Develop 3D CAD models of structures, subsystems, and flight-critical components.
• Perform basic aerodynamic and structural analyses to assess feasibility.
• Participate in design reviews, system trades, and prototypes.
• Support rapid prototyping and wind tunnel testing of scaled models.
• Assist in requirements development, documentation, and verification planning.
• Ensure designs meet manufacturing feasibility and aerospace standards.
• Work with manufacturing to transition designs from concept to production.

Skills

CAD modeling

FEA/CFD

Aircraft design

Weight & balance

Cross-functional teams

Communication

Clearance readiness

Unmanned aircraft

Education

Bachelor's in Aerospace/Mechanical/Systems Eng

Master's in Aerospace/Mechanical/Systems Eng

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Job description

Shield AI in San Diego is seeking an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to support the development of next-generation autonomous UAVs. You will assist in the design, optimization, and integration of aircraft configurations, ensuring aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and mission systems harmonize for performance and manufacturability.

Ideal candidates are mechanical or aerospace engineers with hands-on prototyping, experience with CAD (NX/SolidWorks), and a track record in fast-paced