Staff Engineer, Mass Properties - Ranger (R6353)

Shield AI•Seattle, WA

4d•$170,000 - $260,000

About The Position

As a Mass Properties Engineer for Ranger, you will help develop and optimize autonomous aircraft systems by tracking and analyzing mass properties throughout the product lifecycle. Your work will support aircraft performance trade studies, loads development, structural and cost analysis, and mission-effectiveness evaluations. The role contributes to ensuring Shield AI’s next-generation autonomous vehicles meet weight, balance, and efficiency requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science/Engineering, or a related field.
At least 3 years of experience in mass properties analysis within aerospace, defense, or high-tech vehicle development.
Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX, or similar.
Familiarity with mass properties industry standards, including ATA100, SAWE RP A-7, RP 7, RP 8, or predecessors.
Experience defining mass properties requirements and ensuring compliance across design iterations.
Experience developing and maintaining a Mass Properties Management and Control Plan.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Lead and participate in system-level trade studies to optimize payload, propulsion, power distribution, thermal management, and flight dynamics.
Conduct mass properties estimation for early-stage designs, prototypes, and full-scale production.
Estimate, calculate, and verify weight, center of gravity, and inertia properties for components, assemblies, and complete aircraft systems.
Develop and refine tools and methods for mass properties estimation and optimization.
Generate and maintain mass properties reports for engineering, manufacturing, and leadership teams.
Implement and execute mass properties verification tests to validate design assumptions.
Collaborate with aerodynamics, structures, avionics, propulsion, and manufacturing teams to control mass properties throughout development.
Maintain and update the mass properties database to track weight trends across vehicle programs.