Senior UAV Aircraft Configuration Engineer

Shield AI; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to support the development of next-generation autonomous UAVs. You will assist in the design, optimization, and integration of aircraft configurations, ensuring harmonized aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and mission systems for performance and manufacturability.

This role suits a mechanical or aerospace engineer passionate about cutting-edge aircraft design, multi-disciplinary systems integration, and rapid prototyping in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or systems engineering.
• 7+ years of aircraft design, configuration layout, or airframe integration.
• Proficiency in CAD modeling (NX, SolidWorks).
• Understanding of aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion integration.
• Ability to perform basic FEA, CFD, or weight & balance assessments.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and cross-functional teamwork.
• Excellent communication and technical documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in 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

Problem-solving

Communication

Documentation

Education

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

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

CAD tools

Job description

Shield AI is seeking an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to support the development of next-generation autonomous UAVs. You will assist in the design, optimization, and integration of aircraft configurations, ensuring harmonized aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and mission systems for performance and manufacturability.

This role suits a mechanical or aerospace engineer passionate about cutting-edge aircraft design, multi-disciplinary systems integration, and rapid prototyping in a