Senior UAV Aircraft Configuration Engineer

Shield AI; 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 advance next-generation UAV platforms. You will help optimize aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and systems integration for performance and manufacturability.

The role requires a mechanical or aerospace background, hands-on prototyping, and experience with NX/SolidWorks. A TS/Secret-eligibility mindset and collaboration across cross-functional teams are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering or related field.
• Typically requires 7+ years of related experience in aircraft design, configuration layout, or airframe integration.
• Proficiency in CAD modeling with 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 cross-functional collaboration.
• Active Secret clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conceptual and preliminary design of Shield AI’s UAV platforms, optimizing aerodynamic and structural configurations.
• Support aircraft sizing, weight estimation, and airframe trade studies.
• 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/structural analyses to assess feasibility and impact.
• Participate in design reviews, system trade studies and prototype development.
• Support wind tunnel testing of scaled models for concept validation.
• Assist in requirements development, documentation, and verification planning.
• Ensure designs meet manufacturing capability and aerospace standards.
• Collaborate with production teams to transition designs to prototype and production.

Skills

CAD modeling (NX/SolidWorks)

Airframe integration

Aerodynamics basics

FEM/CFD basics

Cross-functional teamwork

Documentation

Active Secret clearance

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 advance next-generation UAV platforms. You will help optimize aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and systems integration for performance and manufacturability.

The role requires a mechanical or aerospace background, hands-on prototyping, and experience with NX/SolidWorks. A TS/Secret-eligibility mindset and collaboration across cross-functional teams are essential.