Staff Engineer, Aircraft Configuration Design - Ranger (R6298)
About The Position
Shield AI is seeking an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to support development of next-generation autonomous unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). The role assists with designing, optimizing, and integrating aircraft configurations so that aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and mission systems work together to support performance, manufacturability, and operational effectiveness. It is suited to a mechanical or aerospace engineer interested in aircraft design, multidisciplinary systems integration, and iterative prototyping in a defense technology environment. The engineer supports conceptual and preliminary design of UAV platforms, aircraft sizing and configuration trade studies, CAD development, basic aerodynamic and structural analysis, prototype development, and subsystem requirements and verification planning. The role collaborates with engineering, manufacturing, and production teams to move designs from concept through prototype and full-scale production while meeting mission requirements, manufacturing feasibility, and aerospace standards.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
- Typically at least 7 years of related experience in aircraft design, configuration layout, or airframe integration.
- Proficiency in CAD modeling for airframe and structural design, using NX, SolidWorks, or similar tools.
- Basic understanding of aircraft aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion system integration.
- Ability to perform basic FEA, CFD, or weight and balance assessments.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- 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, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience with UAV design or aircraft conceptual design.
- Familiarity with aircraft performance modeling, stability and 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 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 UAV platforms, including aerodynamic and structural configurations.
- Support aircraft sizing, weight estimation, and trade studies evaluating airframe configurations.
- Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, propulsion, and avionics engineering teams to support system integration.
- Develop and refine 3D CAD models of aircraft structures, subsystems, and flight-critical components.
- Perform basic aerodynamic and structural analyses using computational tools to assess feasibility and performance impacts.
- Participate in design reviews, system trade studies, and prototype development.
- Support rapid prototyping and wind tunnel testing of scaled models to validate design concepts.
- Assist with requirements development, documentation, and verification planning for aircraft subsystems.
- Ensure designs address manufacturing feasibility, mission requirements, and aerospace industry standards.
- Work with manufacturing and production teams to transition designs from concept to prototype and full-scale production.
Benefits
- Bonus
- Benefits
- Equity
- Temporary benefits package for temporary employees, applicable after 60 days of employment
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
