← All roles

Staff Engineer, Aircraft Configuration Design (R5830)

Shield AI· X-BAT Division – X-BAT Engineering - Configuration Design
Apply on company site
San Diego, CA$144k - $210kFull Time EmployeePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Staff Engineer role focusing on the design, optimization, and integration of UAV aircraft configurations, ensuring aerodynamic, structural, propulsion, and mission systems are harmonized for performance, manufacturability, and operational effectiveness in a fast-paced defense tech environment.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in the conceptual and preliminary design of Shield AI’s 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.

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

Skills

Required:Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering fundamentalsCAD modelingFinite Element Analysis (FEA)Weight & balanceCross-functional collaborationDocumentation and communication
Nice to have:Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Benefits

  • 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)
Last updated Oct 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Shield AI

Autonomy for the world.

Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.

AerospaceAutonomyDefenseliquid-ai-recruiting-targetsetter-30setter-30-2026-q1
Company profileWebsite

More open roles at Shield AI