Staff Engineer, Aircraft Configuration Design - Ranger (R6298)

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 a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai https://shield.ai/. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/shield-ai, X https://x.com/shieldaitech, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shield_ai, and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Shield_AI.

What you’ll do

• 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 (mechanical, electrical, propulsion, avionics) 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.

Required 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) 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 ability to work in cross functional teams.
• Excellent communication and technical documentation skills.
• Active Secret clearance

Preferred qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or related field).
• Experience with UAV design or aircraft conceptual design.
• Familiarity with aircraft performance modeling, stability & control, and flight dynamics.
• Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping, wind tunnel testing, or flight hardware development.
• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques, composite materials, and aerospace structural design principles.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-tech startup or defense environment.
• Active TS clearance or ability to gain a TS clearance

#LI-AD6 #LD

Full-time regular employee offer package

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Equal opportunity statement

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.