Shield AI
Staff Engineer, Aircraft Configuration Design - Ranger (R6298)
$170K–$260K
Seattle, Washington · On-site · Staff · Full-time · Posted Oct 17, 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, analysis, integration, and prototyping of autonomous UAV aircraft configurations, from concept through production.
What you'll do
- Design and refine aircraft configurations, sizing, weight estimates, and 3D CAD models.
- Support aerodynamic and structural analysis, design trade studies, and multidisciplinary system integration.
- Contribute to prototype development, testing, requirements documentation, and transition to production.
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 aircraft conceptual design experience; familiarity with performance modeling, stability & control, flight dynamics, prototyping, or wind tunnel testing.
Pay
USD 170,000–260,000 per year base salary
Tools
NX, SolidWorks, FEA, CFD
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative