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Senior Staff Engineer, Environmental Control Systems (RX) (R5905)

Shield AI· RaptorX – RaptorX Engineering - Mechanical
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Dallas, TX, Washington, D.C.$180.8k - $271.2kFull Time EmployeePosted 4w ago

About the role

Senior Staff (L5) Environmental Control System (ECS) Engineer responsible for full technical ownership of ECS architecture, analysis, design, and integration for a dedicated special access program, including trade studies, sizing, hardware design, supplier management, and flight-ready hardware delivery in a rapid-iteration environment.

Responsibilities

  • Architecture and Trades: Lead ECS architecture definition and trade studies (e.g., vapor cycle vs. air cycle vs. passive/ram-air systems) to meet vehicle thermal, electrical, mass, and volume constraints.
  • Aerothermal and Circuit Design: Design and analyze vehicle air inlets, scoops, ducting networks, and ram-air cooling circuits to ensure adequate flow across flight envelopes.
  • Thermal and Fluid System Sizing: Perform first-principles thermodynamic and heat transfer hand calculations, backed by 1D fluid-thermal network modeling.
  • Component Sourcing and Vendor Management: Author technical specifications and statements of work (SOW) for ECS hardware (heat exchangers, fans, valves, compressors, sensors), evaluate vendors, and drive supplier technical execution.
  • Test and Validation: Define qualification and verification test plans, design test rigs, support instrumentation/DAQ setup, and execute test campaigns to validate performance against requirements.
  • Flight Test and Troubleshooting: Process flight-test thermal and fluid data to identify discrepancies, resolve anomalies via root-cause investigation, and implement rapid design changes.

Qualifications

  • Clearance required: US Citizens Only & Must have an Active Secret or higher clearance.
  • 8 to 15 years of direct experience in aerospace Environmental Control System and vehicle thermal/fluid system development.
  • B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Deep mastery of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer applied to aircraft or defense systems.
  • Demonstrated capability with 1D system modeling (e.g., Amesim, Flowmaster, or Python/MATLAB fluid networks) and ability to size systems from inlets to ram circuits to liquid cooling systems, air cooling systems, and more.
  • Experience in 3D CAD modeling, routing, and drawing release (Siemens NX preferred, or CATIA/Creo) with PLM workflows.
  • Proven track record sourcing COTS/custom aerospace components, driving suppliers to schedule, and assembling benchtop or vehicle-level test setups.
  • Demonstrated ability to self-direct, prioritize technical tasks without oversight, and deliver functional hardware under tight timelines.

Skills

Required:ECS architecture and trade studiesThermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer1D system modeling (Amesim/Flowmaster/Python/MATLAB)3D CAD modeling and PLM workflows

Benefits

  • Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
  • Temporary employee offer package (applicable after 60 days of employment) with temporary benefits package
Last updated Oct 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

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