Principal Engineer, Fluid & Thermal Systems (R4793)

The Rundown AI, Inc.; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology firm in Dallas is seeking a Staff Fluid & Thermal Systems Engineer to lead the design and optimization of fluid and thermal systems for autonomous UAVs. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience with a strong track record in system design, deep knowledge of thermal management, and expertise in tools like MATLAB and NX. This role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment, where innovation and technical excellence are paramount.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Fluid or Thermal System design.
• Proven track record of technical excellence.
• Expertise in system-level thermal management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and analysis of fluid and thermal systems.
• Develop innovative thermal solutions for UAVs.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams.

Skills

Fluid system design

Thermal system analysis

Heat transfer

Fluid dynamics

Mathematics software

3D CAD modeling

Education

B.S. or advanced degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering

Tools

MATLAB Simscape

Siemens NX

Python

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep‑tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V‑BAT and X‑BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia‑Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description:

Are you an experienced and innovative Fluid & Thermal Systems Engineer looking to help shape the future of AI and robotics technology? Are you eager to make a meaningful impact on cutting‑edge products that matter? Do you thrive in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment alongside highly motivated and values‑focused teammates? Shield AI is the perfect place for you!

As a Staff Fluid & Thermal Systems Engineer at Shield AI, you will lead the design, development, and optimization of fluid and thermal systems for our advanced autonomous UAVs and ground systems. Your expertise in fluid & thermal system design will drive innovation, prototyping, testing, and the successful integration of solutions that operate reliably in challenging environments. This role requires technical leadership, collaboration with cross‑functional teams, and an unwavering commitment to delivering excellence from concept to production.

What you’ll do:

• Own design and analysis of fluid and thermal systems for aircraft and ground platforms.
• Develop and implement innovative thermal solutions.
• Use first‑principles engineering to drive design decisions to yield optimal solutions.
• Research technologies for integration into complex solutions.
• Conduct advanced simulations to predict system performance and refine designs.
• Execute testing and validation efforts, including data acquisition, post‑processing, and verification against requirements.
• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams to integrate fluid and thermal system designs into larger system architectures.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering technical growth and excellence within the team.
• Identify suppliers and build successful supplier‑management relationships for procurement of components or systems for fluid and thermal system designs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications:

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in Fluid or Thermal System design, with a proven track record of technical excellence.
• B.S. or advanced degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline.
• Deep understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and system‑level thermal management.
• Experience implementing system models in commercial tools, such as MATLAB Simscape, Amesim, etc.
• Experience developing custom engineering models in Excel and in languages such as MATLAB, Python, etc.
• Experience in fluid and thermal system testing, including sensor integration, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Expertise in 3D CAD modeling tools such as Siemens NX or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to execute projects with minimal oversight, assume full ownership, and deliver exceptional outcomes.
• Excellence in supplier management, COTS component sourcing, optimization/trade studies.
• Proven success in dynamic, fast‑paced environments.

Preferred qualifications:

• Extensive experience with fluid & thermal system design, analysis, manufacture and test for aircraft.
• Familiarity with fluid and thermal system effects on aircraft performance.
• Familiarity with startup or R&D environments, demonstrating adaptability and agility under pressure.
• Strong knowledge of environmental standards and certification processes for aerospace or defense systems.
• A passion for innovation and the ability to push boundaries in fluid & thermal system development.

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.