Senior Staff Engineer - Aerodynamics & Performance (CA - R2265)

Introduction to Shield AIFounded 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:Shield AI’s mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Shield AI is a fast growing, venture-backed defense-technology company built around a team of proven executives, distinguished warfighters, and world-class AI engineers. Since 2018, Shield AI’s products and people have supported operations around the world with the US Department of Defense and our allies. Most recently, we acquired Heron Systems and Martin UAV as wholly owned subsidiaries of Shield AI. Join our team and shape the future of artificially intelligent systems.
The Flight Sciences team focuses on researching and developing state-of-the-art, high-performance vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. As an aerodynamics Engineer on this team, you’ll work on an agile team grounded in first principles to push the boundaries of the state-of-the-art.

What you'll do:

• Perform aerodynamic characterization efforts utilizing analytical and experimental methods
• Conduct aircraft performance analyses
• Develop and manage tools for conceptual design and aircraft performance
• Support conceptual and preliminary design efforts of aircraft and components
• Progress infrastructure for databases, codes, and tools management
• Drive and support wind tunnel, ground, and flight testing
• Develop test methods for experimental aerodynamic and performance characterization
• Execute uncertainty analyses
• Utilize tools to quantify structural loads on aerodynamic bodies and surfaces
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional and program-based teams

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with 5-8 years professional experience related to aerodynamics or aircraft design or aircraft performance
• Experience partnering with a multidisciplinary engineering team, including mechanical, electrical, propulsion, software, and AI disciplines
• Solid understanding of aerodynamic fundamentals, CFD techniques, and wind tunnel testing
• Experience with aerodynamic tools and techniques, e.g. vortex-lattice, panel-method, etc.
• Experience with Matlab or Python for data analysis
• Familiarity with translating aerodynamic analyses into workable design solutions for flight vehicles
• Familiarity with lofting/surfacing tools in SolidWorks (or equivalent CAD software tools) for generating water-tight geometries
• Passion for solving complex problems in a fast-moving environment
• Demonstrated record of working hard, strong communication skills, being a trustworthy teammate, and being kind to others

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with Pointwise, Tecplot or similar CFD software tools
• Experience with aeroacoustics analysis
• Experience with low-speed airfoil design
• Experience with wind tunnel testing
• Experience with aeroelasticity and flutter analysis

Total compensation: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity (if applicable)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. Information on the benefits offered is here. All offers are contingent on a cleared background check.
Location guidelines-Onsite = 5 days/week Remote = Remote but able to come to the office as requested for business needs
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.