Senior UAV Aircraft Configuration Engineer

Shield; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI seeks an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to help develop next-generation autonomous UAVs. You will assist in configuring aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and subsystems for production-ready platforms with a focus on manufacturability and mission effectiveness.

The role targets mechanical or aerospace engineers with a passion for multidisciplinary systems integration, rapid prototyping, and a fast-paced defense technology 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).
• Basic understanding of aircraft aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion system integration.
• Ability to perform basic FEA, CFD, or weight & balance assessments.
• Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and cross-functional collaboration.
• 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 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 proficiency

Aerodynamics basics

FEA/CFD basics

Cross-functional teamwork

Technical documentation

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering

Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (preferred)

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Job description

Shield AI seeks an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to help develop next-generation autonomous UAVs. You will assist in configuring aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and subsystems for production-ready platforms with a focus on manufacturability and mission effectiveness.

The role targets mechanical or aerospace engineers with a passion for multidisciplinary systems integration, rapid prototyping, and a fast-paced defense technology environment.