Senior UAV Aircraft Configuration Engineer

Shield AI; Northern, San Diego (KY, CA); Hybrid; USD 144,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to advance next‑gen autonomous UAVs. You will design, optimize, and integrate aircraft configurations, aligning aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and mission systems for manufacturability and operation.

The role suits a mechanical or aerospace engineer skilled in multi‑disciplinary integration, iterative prototyping, and working in a defense tech environment. Competitive salary, benefits, and equity offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’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 attention to detail; crossfunctional teamwork.
• Excellent communication and technical documentation skills.
• Active Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

CAD modeling

NX

SolidWorks

FEA

CFD

Weight & balance

Cross-functional teamwork

Technical documentation

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Systems Engineering

Master’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Systems Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAE tools

Job description

Shield AI seeks an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to advance next‑gen autonomous UAVs. You will design, optimize, and integrate aircraft configurations, aligning aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and mission systems for manufacturability and operation.

The role suits a mechanical or aerospace engineer skilled in multi‑disciplinary integration, iterative prototyping, and working in a defense tech environment. Competitive salary, benefits, and equity offered.