Shield AI is seeking a Senior Fluid Systems Engineer to support development of liquid cooling and hydraulic fluid systems for our groundbreaking jet-engine VTOL military UAV platform, X-BAT. You will design components and fluid systems, engage with suppliers, perform system and component analysis and sizing, and own multiple aspects of X-BAT’s fluid systems.
Required qualifications:
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
- 5+ years experience with fluid or hydraulic system design, component design, system analysis, supplier management, requirements management, etc.
- Demonstrated ability to execute design, build, test with rigor at speed
- Strong CAD skills (NX preferred)
- Demonstrated proficiency with fluid or hydraulic system analysis, including 1st principles, Simscape, Amesim, etc.
- Ability to work independently in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
- A demonstrated record of working hard, being trustworthy, holding yourself to high standards, and being kind to others
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with environmental and operational robustness (vibration/shock, thermal extremes, contamination, corrosion, sand/dust, etc.).
- Experience supporting ground test and flight test campaigns and system checkout, failure investigations.
- Familiarity with reliability and safety methods (DFMEA/FTA, fault containment, safe-state thinking) in collaboration with systems safety.
Skills Required
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
- 5+ years experience with fluid or hydraulic system design and supplier management
- Demonstrated ability to execute design, build, and test with rigor at speed
- Strong CAD skills
- NX (Siemens NX) experience
- Proficiency with fluid/hydraulic system analysis (1st principles, Simscape, Amesim)
- Ability to work independently in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
- Demonstrated record of strong work ethic, trustworthiness, high standards, and teamwork
- Ability to obtain S//SAR level security clearance
- Experience with environmental and operational robustness (vibration, thermal extremes, contamination, corrosion, sand/dust)
- Experience supporting ground and flight test campaigns, system checkout, and failure investigations
- Familiarity with reliability and safety methods (DFMEA, FTA, fault containment, safe-state thinking)
What the Team is Saying
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
