Aerodynamics & Performance Engineer (R2586)

Introduction to Shield AI

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown a fighter jet (F-16), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (V-BAT), and a quadcopter (Nova). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies. 

Shield AI’s mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Shield AI is a fast growing, venture-backed defense-technology company built around a team of proven executives, distinguished warfighters, and world-class AI engineers. Since 2018, Shield AI’s products and people have supported operations around the world with the US Department of Defense and our allies. Most recently, we acquired Heron Systems and Martin UAV as wholly owned subsidiaries of Shield AI. Join our team and shape the future of artificially intelligent systems.

 The Aerodynamics and Performance team focuses on researching and developing state-of-the-art, high-performance vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. As an aerodynamics engineer, you’ll work on an agile team grounded in first principles to push the boundaries of the state-of-the-art.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Perform aerodynamic characterization efforts utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and experimental methods
• Establish automations and workflows for completing aerodynamic design and analysis tasks
• Establish best practices and drive the state of the art for aerodynamic design and analysis
• Support conceptual and preliminary design efforts of aircraft and components
• Progress infrastructure for databases, codes, and tools management
• Drive and support wind tunnel, ground, and flight testing
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional and program-based teams

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree
• Professional experience related to aerodynamics, aircraft design, or aircraft performance
• Experience partnering with a multidisciplinary engineering team, including mechanical, electrical, propulsion, software, and AI disciplines
• Expert in aerodynamic fundamentals, CFD techniques, and wind tunnel testing
• Experience with aerodynamic tools and techniques, e.g. vortex-lattice, panel-method, Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes CFD, etc
• Experience with Matlab or Python for data analysis
• Familiarity with translating aerodynamic analyses into workable design solutions for flight vehicles
• Familiarity with lofting/surfacing tools in SolidWorks (or equivalent CAD software tools) for generating water-tight geometries
• Passion for solving complex problems in a fast-moving environment
• Demonstrated record of excellence, delivering exceptional results, strong communication skills, being a trustworthy teammate, and being kind to others
• Demonstrated track record of assuming ownership

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with Pointwise, Tecplot, commercial, and government CFD solvers
• Experience with aeroacoustics analysis
• Experience with airfoil design
• Experience with wind tunnel testing
• Experience with aeroelasticity and flutter analysis
• Proven background in thriving within fast-paced environments, particularly within startup or R&D settings 
• Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and the ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful outcomes. 

#LE

#LI-AC1

Total package details:

Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

*Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity

Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and reference check.

If you're interested in being part of our team, apply now! 

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.