Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit
www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on
LinkedIn,
X,
Instagram, and
YouTube.
Job Description:
The Flight Sciences team at Shield AI integrates stability & control, aerodynamics, performance, and aero-propulsion to redefine the limits of unmanned aviation. As a member of this team, you will bridge the gap between theoretical design and flight testing. We aren't just analyzing data; we are building the future of autonomous flight. If you thrive in high-tempo, collaborative environments where your work moves quickly from concept to reality, we want you on our team.
What you'll do:
Drive Wind Tunnel Testing: Play a key role in supporting an aggressive wind tunnel test campaign by defining requirements, overseeing model fabrication, and developing run plans that yield actionable aerodynamic insights.
Develop High-Fidelity Models: Synthesize wind tunnel and numerical data into comprehensive aerodynamic models (including propulsion, hinge moment, and flexibility effects) used across the enterprise for mission-critical simulation and analysis.
Enable Safe Separation: Develop the specialized tools and methodologies required for internal and external stores separation analysis.
Integrate Air Data Systems: Partner with cross-disciplinary teams to define sensor locations, system architecture and calibration algorithms that meet accuracy and redundancy requirements
Create System Level Solutions: Solve multifaceted design challenges by collaborating with structures, avionics, and propulsion teams to create highly optimized, balanced solutions.
Required qualifications:
Education: B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent technical field).
Core Expertise: 3+ years of experience in Stability & Control, with a mastery of aerodynamics, 6DOF model development, and flying qualities analysis.
Testing Background: Proven experience in wind tunnel testing and translating experimental data into simulation environments.
Character: A demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to a high standard, and being kind to others.
Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
Computational Efficiency: Proficiency in developing custom software or scripting (e.g., MATLAB, Python) to automate workflows and maximize team throughput.
Advanced Control Systems: Experience with optimization of aircraft planforms and control suite which provide adequate stability and maneuverability, particularly for tailless aircraft or non-traditional configurations.
Propulsion Integration: Expertise in the unique stability and control challenges associated with high-performance aero-propulsion integration.
Problem Solving: A proven ability to take on complex, ill-defined assignments and deliver creative, "best-value" engineering solutions.