Senior Staff Engineer, Aerospace (R5082)

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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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 . Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description

The Flight Sciences team at Shield AI integrates stability & control, aerodynamics, performance, and aero-propulsion to redefine the limits of unmanned aviation. As a member of this team, you will bridge the gap between theoretical design and flight testing. We aren't just analyzing data; we are building the future of autonomous flight. If you thrive in high-tempo, collaborative environments where your work moves quickly from concept to reality, we want you on our team.

What you'll do

• Flying Qualities Analysis: Work closely with the Guidance and Control (GNC) team to optimize control usage and verify the X-BAT flying qualities are suitable for the intended mission.
• Lead Flying Qualities Flight Test: Coordinate with other flight sciences disciplines, and Test & Evaluation team, to develop an integrated test approach that results in certification of the X-BAT in a safe and efficient manner.
• Integrate Air Data Systems: Partner with cross-disciplinary teams to define sensor locations, system architecture and calibration algorithms that meet accuracy and redundancy requirements
• Spearhead Aero Model Validation: Champion the development of tools and flight test aids that will be used to update/validate aerodynamic models using flight test results.
• Support Wind Tunnel Testing and Aero Model Development: Work with a team of flight sciences engineers to plan and execute a variety of wind tunnel tests and integrate the results into a 6DOF Aerodynamic database.

Required qualifications

• Education: B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent technical field).
• Core Expertise: 15+ years of experience in Stability & Control, with specific expertise in flying qualities analysis, flight test planning/execution and requirements compliance.
• Flight Test Expertise: Extensive experience with all phases of flight test including planning, cross discipline integration, control room procedures, execution and final certification.
• Software Proficiency: Ability to develop customized tools that can be used for flying qualities analysis, plotting and simulation.
• Character: A demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to a high standard, and being kind to others.
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred qualifications

• Advanced Control Systems: Expert level understanding of the dependencies between the control laws and the fundamental stability and control characteristics of the aircraft.
• Full Life Cycle Experience: First-hand knowledge of the steps required to take a high performance military aircraft from preliminary design through flight test.
• Collaborative Problem Solving: A proven ability to work closely with others.