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Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company developing autonomous systems, aircraft platforms (V-BAT and X-BAT), and simulation technologies to protect service members and civilians. The company operates globally with facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
As a Staff Engineer in Flight Sciences and Design, you will lead aerodynamic design and optimization efforts for advanced air vehicle programs. Your responsibilities include conducting aerodynamic design and multi-disciplinary optimizations, running and communicating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, and constructing aerodynamic models using wind tunnel data, CFD results, and physics-based approaches. You will develop and implement aerodynamic performance models and tools to support both design and flight operations, support wind tunnel test campaigns, and analyze flight test data to validate and refine aerodynamic models and designs. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including structural engineers, propulsion engineers, and control systems engineers to deliver integrated solutions.
This is a high-impact technical role requiring deep expertise in aerodynamics and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic defense-tech environment.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 7+ years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years with a Master's degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
- 5+ years of experience in aerodynamics or conceptual design on air vehicle programs
- Familiarity with CFD software and techniques
- Familiarity with basic aerodynamic tool development in Python or MATLAB
- Experience in aircraft sizing and conceptual design
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills
- Proven ability to deliver high-quality solutions in fast-paced, dynamic environments
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Background in aircraft aerodynamics across a wide range of flow regimes, from low-subsonic to supersonic flight
- Significant CFD experience (STAR-CCM+ preferred but not required)
- Multidisciplinary optimization (MDO) experience
- Experience working in a fast-paced startup or R&D environment
- Lofting/surfacing experience (ideally in NX)
