UAV Aircraft Configuration Engineer

All Aviation Jobs; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 144,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI seeks an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to advance next-generation autonomous UAVs. You will aid in designing, optimizing, and integrating configurations ensuring aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and systems align for performance and manufacturability.

The role targets mechanical or aerospace engineers with hands-on multi-disciplinary integration, rapid prototyping, and strong documentation skills in a fast-paced defense tech setting. A TS clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or related field).
• 5 years of 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conceptual and preliminary design of UAV configurations for optimal aerodynamic and structural layouts.
• Support aircraft sizing, weight estimation, and trade studies for various airframe configurations.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, propulsion, and avionics teams for seamless integration.
• Develop and refine 3D CAD models of aircraft structures and subsystems.
• Perform basic aerodynamic and structural analyses 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 concepts.
• Assist in requirements development, documentation, and verification planning for subsystems.
• Ensure designs meet manufacturing feasibility, mission requirements, and aerospace standards.
• Work with production teams to transition designs from concept to prototype and full-scale production.

Skills

CAD modeling

FEA/CFD basics

Cross-functional teamwork

Documentation & communication

TS clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Systems Engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

NX CAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Shield AI seeks an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to advance next-generation autonomous UAVs. You will aid in designing, optimizing, and integrating configurations ensuring aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and systems align for performance and manufacturability.

The role targets mechanical or aerospace engineers with hands-on multi-disciplinary integration, rapid prototyping, and strong documentation skills in a fast-paced defense tech setting. A TS clearance is required.