Be an Early Applicant
Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Design, analyze, and integrate fuel storage, transfer, and venting systems for long-endurance UAVs. Perform CFD and thermal/fluid analysis, support integration with propulsion and avionics, conduct simulations and bench testing, generate design documentation and verification plans, coordinate suppliers, troubleshoot prototypes, and mature system architecture and standards for flight test readiness.
Summary Generated by Built In
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:
Shield AI is seeking a Staff Fuel Systems Engineer to design, analyze, and integrate fuel systems for our next-generation autonomous aircraft. You’ll help develop innovative fuel storage, transfer, and distribution systems that improve endurance, efficiency, and reliability in challenging operational environments.
This role is ideal for an engineer eager to take ownership of complex subsystems, collaborate across disciplines, and grow into a technical leader working at the intersection of autonomy, flight science, and fluid systems.
What you will do in this role:
- Design and develop fuel storage, transfer, and venting systems to support high-performance, long-endurance UAVs.
- Perform fluid and thermal analysis to optimize flow efficiency, pressure regulation, and system mass.
- Support integration of fuel systems with propulsion, avionics, and thermal management teams.
- Conduct CFD simulations, bench-level testing, and validation of pumps, valves, sensors, and tanks.
- Generate design documentation, system schematics, and verification plans to support engineering reviews and flight test readiness.
- Assist in supplier coordination, component selection, and qualification testing.
- Troubleshoot fuel system issues during prototype builds and flight test campaigns.
- Contribute to the development of system architecture and help mature design standards across new programs.
Required qualifications:
- B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline.
- 4–7 years of experience in fuel or fluid systems design, analysis, or integration.
- Working knowledge of CFD and thermal/fluid simulation tools (ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, MATLAB/Simulink).
- Experience with pumps, valves, and sensors for fuel or hydraulic systems.
- Familiarity with aerospace environmental and certification standards (e.g., DO-160, MIL-STD-810).
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills in fast-paced, cross-functional environments.
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience supporting UAV, fighter, or propulsion system integration.
- Hands-on experience with prototype build, test, and troubleshooting.
- Familiarity with CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks for CAD design and modeling.
- Exposure to mission endurance optimization and energy management strategies.
#LI-JM2
#LD
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary 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 possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
###
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.
Skills Required
- B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline
- 4-7 years of experience in fuel or fluid systems design, analysis, or integration
- Working knowledge of CFD and thermal/fluid simulation tools (ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, MATLAB/Simulink)
- Experience with pumps, valves, and sensors for fuel or hydraulic systems
- Familiarity with aerospace environmental and certification standards (DO-160, MIL-STD-810)
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills in fast-paced, cross-functional environments
- U.S. Citizenship
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance
- Experience supporting UAV, fighter, or propulsion system integration
- Hands-on experience with prototype build, test, and troubleshooting
- Familiarity with CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks for CAD design and modeling
- Exposure to mission endurance optimization and energy management strategies
What the Team is Saying
Dylan
Lead Engineer, Planning and Controls-Motion
Mo
Lead Engineer, Platform Automation
Willy
Technical Director
Michael
Engineering Manager - State Estimation
Vibhav
Senior Staff Engineer
Kirby
Mechanical Engineer
Ryan
CEO
Evan
Senior Machine Learning Engineer
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
-
Healthcare Strength — Company materials describe excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside a mental‑health EAP. Site perks such as an onsite gym in DC and a gym discount in San Diego support a health‑focused offering.
-
Retirement Support — Careers materials highlight a 401(k) with company match as part of the standard package. A Total Rewards overview emphasizes retirement features within a broader, transparent compensation view.
-
Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Compensation for in‑demand technical and senior go‑to‑market roles is described as competitive, with visible engineering ranges and top‑end packages. This points to meaningful upside tied to role, level, and scarce skills.
Shield AI Insights
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
Why Work With Us
What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy, and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges, we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software, AI, and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.
Gallery
Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Typical time on-site:
3 days a week
