Staff Engineer, Aircraft Configuration Design - Ranger (R6298)

About the role

Shield AI, a defense-tech company developing autonomous unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), is seeking an Aircraft Configuration Design Engineer to support the design, optimization and integration of aircraft configurations. The role ensures that vehicle aerodynamics, structures, propulsion and mission systems are harmonized for performance, manufacturability and operational effectiveness. It suits a mechanical or aerospace engineer interested in multi-disciplinary systems integration and iterative prototyping.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in the conceptual and preliminary design of new UAV platforms, ensuring optimal aerodynamic and structural configurations.
• Support aircraft sizing, weight estimation and trade studies to evaluate airframe configurations.
• Work with mechanical, electrical, propulsion and avionics teams on system integration.
• Develop and refine 3D CAD models of aircraft structures, subsystems and flight-critical components.
• Perform basic aerodynamic and structural analysis with computational tools.
• Take part in design reviews, trade studies and prototype development.
• Support rapid prototyping and wind tunnel testing of scaled models.
• Help with requirements development, documentation and verification planning, and ensure designs meet manufacturing feasibility and industry standards.
• Work with manufacturing and production teams to move designs from concept to prototype and production.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical or Systems Engineering (or related field).
• Typically at least 7 years of related experience in aircraft design, configuration layout or airframe integration.
• Active Secret clearance.
• Preferred: Master's degree, UAV or conceptual aircraft design experience, and experience in a fast-paced startup or defense environment.

Required skills

• CAD modeling (NX, SolidWorks or similar) for airframe and structural design.
• Basic understanding of aircraft aerodynamics, structures and propulsion integration.
• Ability to perform basic FEA, CFD or weight and balance assessments.
• Technical documentation and communication skills.