Senior Staff Thermal Engineer, Avionics (R2567)

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. 

Job Description:

Are you a passionate and innovative composite designer looking to help develop state of the art AI and robotics products? Are you eager to make a positive difference in the world? Do you want to work alongside mission driven and values focused teammates? Shield AI is just the place for you! 

As a Senior Staff Thermal Engineer at Shield AI, your role will be central to the thermal design and development of our autonomous UAV products. You'll take the lead in navigating the complexities of thermal management through innovation, prototyping, testing, and final release of designs that push the boundaries of current technology. Working hand-in-hand with cross-functional teams, you will ensure the seamless development and launch of new products. Your role demands a commitment to technical excellence and personal accountability, as you collaborate with both internal and external partners to adhere to best practices throughout the prototype to production lifecycle.

What you'll do:

• Own the thermal design and analysis for aircraft and ground systems.
• Creatively solve challenging thermal design problems
• Use first principles to guide early design decisions.
• Optimize cooling solutions for all aspects of their performance and reliability.
• Utilize FEA models to predict detailed design performance.
• Collaborate on system architecture with respect to thermal considerations.
• Support failure reviews and root-cause analysis with test data and thermal analysis.
• Lead thermal verification testing and data analysis
•  Proactively identify opportunities for improvement within hardware development projects, demonstrating initiative to propose and implement innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and overall project success and aircraft reliability
• Other duties as assigned

Required qualifications:

• B.S. degree in Thermal/Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
• Experience performing thermal design with evidence of excellence
• Solid fundamental understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics
• FEA experience – FLOEFD, ANSYS, Icepak, or Flotherm
• Testing experience –sensor selection, data acquisition, data post-processing
• 3D Modeling experience with Siemens NX or equivalent
• A demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others 
• Demonstrated track record of assuming ownership over development processes and features and delivering outstanding outcomes
• Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed client expectations in a fast-paced environment

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working on cutting-edge autonomous robotic systems
• 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. 

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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 possible 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.