Staff Engineer, Aircraft Configuration Design

Shield AI • Washington, DC

69d • $136,730 - $205,096

About The Position

Shield AI is seeking an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to support the development of next-generation autonomous UAVs. In this role, you will assist in the design, optimization, and integration of aircraft configurations, ensuring that vehicle aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and mission systems are harmonized for performance, manufacturability, and operational effectiveness. This position is ideal for a mechanical or aerospace engineer with a passion for cutting-edge aircraft design, multi-disciplinary systems integration, and iterative prototyping in a fast-paced defense technology environment.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or related field).
• Experience with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) design or aircraft conceptual design.
• Familiarity with aircraft performance modeling, stability & control, and flight dynamics.
• Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping, wind tunnel testing, or flight hardware development.
• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques, composite materials, and aerospace structural design principles.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-tech startup or defense environment.
• Active TS clearance or ability to gain a TS clearance.

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.

Benefits

• Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
• Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees