Be an Early Applicant
Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Lead aircraft-level thermal analysis and characterization for VTOL unmanned aircraft. Develop and validate analytical and CFD models, run trade studies, define requirements, plan and analyze thermal tests, mentor teams, and mitigate aircraft thermal risks to meet mission-critical aerospace requirements.
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.
Are you a passionate and innovative thermal engineer looking to help develop the next generation VTOL strike aircraft? 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 Staff Aircraft Thermal Engineer you will solve many of the most challenging thermal problems on the XBAT aircraft program, including hot exhaust gas management and aircraft-level thermal environments and characterization and more.
This role is best suited for an engineer who thrives on first-principles problem solving, can operate autonomously in solving challenging thermal problems, and bridges technical disciplines with clear communication. You will shape designs, guide engineering peers in thermal disciplines, and deliver robust thermal solutions that meet mission-critical aerospace requirements.
What you'll do:
- Execute thermal analysis and characterization efforts for unmanned aerial vehicle aircraft-level thermal systems.
- Architect and validate analytical, numerical, and computational models for heat transfer and fluid flow using hand calculations, finite difference methods, and CFD tools such as FloEFD.
- Execute trade studies, make system architecture decisions, own requirements generation, and make technical risk assessments.
- Define and oversee test planning, instrumentation, and data analysis to correlate models with experimental results.
- Mentor and guide cross-disciplinary teams in applying thermal/fluid fundamentals.
- Communicate technical findings through design reviews and technical reports.
- Proactively identify thermal risks, propose solutions, and influence aircraft thermal design.
Required qualifications:
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
- Minimum 7 years of professional experience in thermal engineering.
- Deep expertise in heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation) and fluid mechanics.
- Advanced understanding of active and passive cooling solutions.
- Knowledge of thermal management techniques for aircraft bays, engine bays, and hot surfaces.
- Proficiency with thermal analysis and CFD tools (e.g., FloEFD, STAR-CCM+, Thermal Desktop).
- Proficiency with CAD design tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or similar
- Demonstrated ability to apply first-principles reasoning to complex engineering problems.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
- Demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
- M.S. in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Extensive experience with high-altitude aircraft thermal management, analysis, and design.
- Familiarity with aircraft integration constraints (power, weight, volume, maintainability, safety).
- Hands-on experience with thermal and fluid system testing, instrumentation, and validation.
- Knowledge of materials and manufacturing methods relevant to aerospace thermal management.
- Experience guiding trade studies.
- Background in multi-disciplinary system integration, spanning avionics, fluid systems, and systems engineering.
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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.
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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. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
- Minimum 7 years of professional experience in thermal engineering
- Deep expertise in heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation) and fluid mechanics
- Advanced understanding of active and passive cooling solutions
- Knowledge of thermal management techniques for aircraft bays, engine bays, and hot surfaces
- Proficiency with thermal analysis and CFD tools (e.g., FloEFD, STAR-CCM+, Thermal Desktop)
- Proficiency with CAD design tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or similar
- Demonstrated ability to apply first-principles reasoning to complex engineering problems
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- Demonstrated record of teamwork, high standards, and professional conduct
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance
- M.S. in a relevant engineering discipline
- Extensive experience with high-altitude aircraft thermal management, analysis, and design
- Familiarity with aircraft integration constraints (power, weight, volume, maintainability, safety)
- Hands-on experience with thermal and fluid system testing, instrumentation, and validation
- Knowledge of materials and manufacturing methods relevant to aerospace thermal management
- Experience guiding trade studies
- Background in multi-disciplinary system integration spanning avionics, fluid systems, and systems engineering
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
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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.
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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.
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Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Typical time on-site:
3 days a week
