Senior UAV Design Engineer

F7d8749a; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a senior aerospace engineer to contribute to the conceptual and preliminary design of advanced UAV platforms. You will help with airframe integration, sizing, weight estimates and cross‑functional collaboration across mechanical, electrical, propulsion and avionics teams.

You will refine 3D CAD models, perform basic CFD/FEA, and support design reviews, prototyping, and verification planning. A Secret clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering.
• Typically 7+ years of related aircraft design or airframe integration experience.
• Proficiency with NX or SolidWorks for airframe and structural design.
• Fundamental understanding of aerodynamics, structures and propulsion integration.
• Ability to perform basic FEA, CFD, or weight and balance assessments.
• Strong problem-solving, detail orientation and cross-functional collaboration.
• Active Secret clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conceptual and preliminary design of UAV platforms and airframes.
• Support sizing, weight estimation and trade studies for configurations.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, propulsion and avionics teams.
• Develop 3D CAD models of aircraft structures and subsystems.
• Perform basic aerodynamic and structural analysis to assess feasibility.
• Participate in design reviews, system trades and prototype work.
• Support rapid prototyping and wind tunnel validation of scaled models.
• Assist in requirements development, documentation and verification plans.
• Ensure designs meet manufacturing feasibility and aerospace standards.
• Assist transitions from concept to prototype and production.

Skills

Aerospace design

FEA/CFD

Cross-functional teamwork

Technical documentation

Weight & balance

Clearance: Active Secret

Education

Bachelor's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

NX CAD

SolidWorks

CFD/FEA tools

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a senior aerospace engineer to contribute to the conceptual and preliminary design of advanced UAV platforms. You will help with airframe integration, sizing, weight estimates and cross‑functional collaboration across mechanical, electrical, propulsion and avionics teams.

You will refine 3D CAD models, perform basic CFD/FEA, and support design reviews, prototyping, and verification planning. A Secret clearance is required.