Staff Engineer, Flight Sciences, Design - Ranger (R6357)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Bonus

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Flight Sciences Engineer, Design to lead aerodynamics and aircraft performance work. You will drive design through CFD analyses, wind tunnel data, and flight testing to ensure optimal efficiency, stability, and performance under diverse conditions.

Role requires advanced experience in aerodynamics, conceptual design, and tool development in Python/MATLAB, with strong collaboration across structural, propulsion, and control systems teams.

Qualifications

• Requires 7+ years with a Bachelor’s, or 6 years with a Master’s, or 4 years with a PhD, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of aerodynamics or conceptual design on air vehicle programs.
• Familiarity with CFD software and techniques.
• Familiarity with Python/MATLAB for aerodynamic tool development.
• Experience in aircraft sizing and conceptual design.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality solutions in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct aerodynamic design and multi-disciplinary optimization.
• Run CFD simulations and communicate results.
• Construct aerodynamic models using wind tunnel data, CFD data, or physics-based data.
• Develop and implement aerodynamic performance models and tools.
• Support wind tunnel test campaigns.
• Analyze flight test data to validate models and designs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including structural, propulsion, and control systems engineers.

Skills

Aerodynamics

CFD

Aircraft sizing

Conceptual design

Python

MATLAB

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

STAR-CCM+

NX

Python

MATLAB

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-BATaircraft, 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. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description:

As a Flight Sciences Engineer, Design, you will drive aircraft programs to success with aerodynamic design contributions, CFD analyses, aircraft performance modeling, wind tunnel testing, and flight test data analysis. Your expertise will be critical in ensuring that our aircraft achieve optimal aerodynamic efficiency, stability, and performance across a variety of operational conditions.

What you'll do:

• Conduct aerodynamic design and build multi-disciplinary optimizations
• Run computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and communicate results
• Construct aerodynamic models using wind tunnel data, CFD data, physics-based data, or a combination of all
• Develop and implement aerodynamic performance models and tools to support design and flight operations.
• Support wind tunnel test campaigns
• Analyze flight test data to validate and refine aerodynamic models and designs
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including structural engineers, propulsion engineers, and control systems engineers

Required qualifications:

• 7+ years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years with a Master’s degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
• 5+ years of experience in aerodynamics or conceptual design on air vehicle programs
• Familiarity with CFD software and techniques
• Familiarity with basic aerodynamic tool development in Python / MATLAB
• Experience in aircraft sizing and conceptual design
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality solutions in fast-paced, dynamic environments

Preferred qualifications:

• Background in aircraft aerodynamics across a wide range of flow regimes, from low-subsonic to supersonic flight
• Significant CFD experience (STAR-CCM+ preferred but not required)
• MDO experience
• Experience working in a fast-paced startup or R&D environment
• Lofting/surfacing experience (ideally in NX)

$170,000 - $260,000 a year

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.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed toequal 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.