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Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company developing autonomous systems, UAVs, and simulation technologies for military and civilian applications. The company operates globally with offices across the US, Europe, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
As a Principal Engineer for Fluid & Thermal Systems, you will lead the design, development, and optimization of fluid and thermal systems for advanced autonomous UAVs and ground platforms. This is a technical leadership role requiring deep expertise in thermal and fluid system engineering, with responsibility for driving innovation from concept through production.
Key responsibilities include:
- Owning design and analysis of fluid and thermal systems for aircraft and ground platforms
- Developing and implementing innovative thermal solutions using first-principles engineering
- Conducting advanced simulations to predict system performance and refine designs
- Executing testing and validation efforts, including data acquisition, post-processing, and verification against requirements
- Collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate fluid and thermal designs into larger system architectures
- Mentoring and guiding junior engineers to foster technical growth
- Identifying suppliers and managing supplier relationships for component and system procurement
- Researching emerging technologies for integration into complex solutions
You will work in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment alongside highly motivated teammates, with a focus on delivering products that support operations worldwide.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum 15+ years of experience in Fluid or Thermal System design with proven track record of technical excellence
- B.S. or advanced degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline
- Deep understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and system-level thermal management
- Experience implementing system models in commercial tools (MATLAB Simscape, Amesim, or equivalent)
- Experience developing custom engineering models in Excel and languages such as MATLAB, Python
- Experience in fluid and thermal system testing, including sensor integration, data acquisition, and analysis
- Expertise in 3D CAD modeling tools such as Siemens NX or equivalent
- Demonstrated ability to execute projects with minimal oversight and deliver exceptional outcomes
- Excellence in supplier management, COTS component sourcing, and optimization/trade studies
- Proven success in dynamic, fast-paced environments
- Ability to obtain S//SAR level security clearance desired
PREFERRED:
- Extensive experience with fluid & thermal system design, analysis, manufacture and test for aircraft
- Familiarity with fluid and thermal system effects on aircraft performance
- Familiarity with startup or R&D environments, demonstrating adaptability and agility under pressure
- Strong knowledge of environmental standards and certification processes for aerospace or defense systems
- Passion for innovation and ability to push boundaries in fluid & thermal system development
