Principal Engineer, Fluid & Thermal Systems (R5620)

Shieldai; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Principal Fluid & Thermal Systems Engineer to lead design, analysis, and integration of thermal management for UAVs and ground systems.

You will own system-level thermal solutions, mentor junior engineers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive testing, modeling, and supplier relations to ensure robust performance in challenging environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15+ years of experience in Fluid or Thermal System design.
• B.S. or advanced degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering.
• Deep understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and system-level thermal management.
• Experience with system models in MATLAB Simscape, Amesim, etc.
• Experience developing custom engineering models in Excel and Python/MATLAB.
• Experience in fluid and thermal system testing, sensor integration, data analysis.
• Expertise in 3D CAD modelling tools such as Siemens NX.
• Ability to own projects with minimal oversight and deliver exceptional results.
• Supplier management, COTS sourcing, optimisation/trade studies.
• Ability to obtain S//SAR level security clearance desired.
• Experience with aviation/defense systems and environmental standards.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Research technologies for integration into complex solutions.
• Conduct advanced simulations to predict performance and refine designs.
• Execute testing and validation, including data acquisition and verification.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate designs into larger architectures.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster technical growth.
• Identify suppliers and manage procurement for components.

Skills

Fluid/thermal system design

Technical leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Supplier management

System modeling

Data analysis

Fast-paced environment

Security clearance readiness

Education

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

Tools

MATLAB Simscape

Amesim

Siemens NX

Excel

Python

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BATaircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and 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 Principal Fluid & Thermal Systems Engineer at Shield AI, you will lead the design, development, and optimisation of fluid and thermal systems for our advanced autonomous UAVs and ground systems. Your expertise 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.

• 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
• Minimum 15+ 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, optimisation/trade studies
• Proven success in dynamic, fast‑paced environments.
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
• 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 defence systems.
• A passion for innovation and the ability to push boundaries in fluid & thermal system development.

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Full‑time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licences and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed toequal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, 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.