Lead UAV Avionics Thermal Architect

Frontdoor Defense; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Principal Thermal Engineer to own the thermal architecture for UAV avionics and aircraft-level thermal/fluid systems across programs. You will lead cross-functional teams, drive first-principles problem solving, and mentor engineers to deliver robust thermal solutions aligned with aerospace requirements.

The role requires deep expertise in heat transfer, active/passive cooling, and CFD tools, with strong communication skills to influence executives and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering required.
• 12+ years in avionics or electronics thermal engineering with technical leadership.
• Proficiency in heat transfer and fluid mechanics for system architecture decisions.
• Experience with active and passive cooling and thermal management at aircraft level.
• Proficiency with CFD and CAD tools listed.
• Ability to mentor engineers and lead cross-functional efforts.

Responsibilities

• Own thermal architecture, analysis, and design strategy for UAV avionics and aircraft-level thermal/fluid systems across programs.
• Lead cross-functional trade studies balancing thermal performance with power, weight, and integration constraints.
• Develop and validate analytical, numerical models for heat transfer and fluid flow; use CFD tools.
• Define verification and validation strategies; guide test planning and data analysis.
• Present complex findings in executive briefings and customer discussions.
• Mentor engineers and drive engineering best practices across teams across programs.

Skills

Thermal engineering leadership

Heat transfer

CFD tools

First-principles reasoning

Executive briefings

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

M.S. or Ph.D. in relevant field

Tools

ANSYS Icepak

FloEFD

STAR-CCM+

NX

SolidWorks

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Principal Thermal Engineer to own the thermal architecture for UAV avionics and aircraft-level thermal/fluid systems across programs. You will lead cross-functional teams, drive first-principles problem solving, and mentor engineers to deliver robust thermal solutions aligned with aerospace requirements.

The role requires deep expertise in heat transfer, active/passive cooling, and CFD tools, with strong communication skills to influence executives and stakeholders.