Senior UAV Aircraft Config & Systems Engineer

Speedrun Talent Network; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to design, optimize, and integrate UAV configurations for next-generation autonomous aircraft. You will work across mechanical, electrical, propulsion, and avionics teams to ensure aerodynamics, structures, and systems align for performance and manufacturability.

You will develop 3D CAD models, perform basic analyses, and contribute to design reviews and prototype development in a fast-paced defense tech environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or related field).
• Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience in aircraft design, configuration layout, or airframe integration.
• Proficiency in CAD modeling (NX, SolidWorks, or similar) for airframe and structural design.
• Basic understanding of aircraft aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion system integration.
• Ability to perform basic FEA, CFD, or weight & balance assessments.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in cross functional teams.
• Excellent communication and technical documentation skills.
• Active Secret clearance

Responsibilities

• Assist in the conceptual and preliminary design of Shield AI’s newest UAV platforms, ensuring optimal aerodynamic and structural configurations.
• Support aircraft sizing, weight estimation, and trade studies to evaluate different airframe configurations.
• Work with multi-disciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, propulsion, avionics) to ensure seamless system integration.
• Develop and refine 3D CAD models of aircraft structures, subsystems, and flight critical components.
• Perform basic aerodynamic and structural analysis using computational tools to assess feasibility and performance impacts.
• Participate in design reviews, system trade studies, and prototype development efforts.
• Support rapid prototyping and wind tunnel testing of scaled models to validate design concepts.
• Assist in requirements development, documentation, and verification planning for aircraft subsystems.
• Ensure designs comply with manufacturing feasibility, mission requirements, and aerospace industry standards.
• Work closely with manufacturing and production teams to transition designs from concept to prototype and full-scale production.

Skills

CAD modeling

Airframe design

Systems engineering

Cross-functional teamwork

Documentation

Security clearance

Weight & balance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Systems Engineering

Master’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Systems Engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Job description

Shield AI seeks an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to design, optimize, and integrate UAV configurations for next-generation autonomous aircraft. You will work across mechanical, electrical, propulsion, and avionics teams to ensure aerodynamics, structures, and systems align for performance and manufacturability.

You will develop 3D CAD models, perform basic analyses, and contribute to design reviews and prototype development in a fast-paced defense tech environment.