Shield AI
Staff Engineer, Aircraft Configuration Design (R5830)
$144K–$210K
San Diego, California · On-site · Staff · Full-time · Posted Sep 9, 2026
- Experience
- Typically a minimum of 7 years of related experience in aircraft design, configuration layout, or airframe integration.
- Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or related field).
About the job
Supports the design and integration of UAV aircraft configurations, from early design and analysis through prototyping and production transition.
What you'll do
- Develop and refine aircraft configurations, CAD models, and subsystem integration with multidisciplinary teams.
- Support aircraft sizing, trade studies, and basic aerodynamic, structural, and weight assessments.
- Contribute to design reviews, prototyping, wind-tunnel testing, requirements documentation, and production transition.
What they ask for
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or related field).
- Proficiency in CAD modeling (NX, SolidWorks, or similar).
- Basic understanding of aircraft aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion system integration; ability to perform basic FEA, CFD, or weight & balance assessments.
- Active Secret clearance.
Nice to have
- Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or related field).
- UAV or conceptual aircraft design experience; familiarity with performance modeling, stability and control, flight dynamics, prototyping, testing, or aircraft manufacturing.
Pay
USD 144,000–210,000 per year base salary
Tools
NX, SolidWorks, FEA, CFD
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative