Aechelon Technology, a Shield AI company, is a leading producer of 3D simulator content, including Geospecific visual/sensor databases and realistic 3D models. We seek people who share our passion for real-time computer graphics and commitment to our mission of helping make our Nation’s pilots safer. We will give you a chance to work with some of the most talented people in the graphics industry.

We currently have an open position in the GeoSpecific Department of the Modeling Division for a 3D Modeler. The primary workplace for this position will be in our South San Francisco office.

Applicants must demonstrate ability to create, UV map, texture and light a range of low poly to high poly models. Applicants are required to provide a link to their portfolio, either on their website, ArtStation or similar online platforms.

Required Skills and Experience:

Advanced knowledge of Maya
Advanced knowledge of Photoshop
Strong understanding of light and form
Strong time management and communication skills
United States citizenship required, due to restrictions on access to certain data
Good technical abilities with respect to implementation of models into 3D engines
An understanding of basic color theory and an ‘aesthetic eye’ as it relates to real world data for simulation
Background/degree in Animation and Visual Effects, Media Arts, Industrial Design, 3D Modeling or similar

Desired Skills and Experience:

Experience working in a game/real time environments
Experience with Mel and/or Python
Experience with Microsoft Office (MSExcel/MSWord)
Military background a plus

Software Used:

Autodesk Maya
Adobe Photoshop
In-house software

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 USD per year

The above range is specific to CALIFORNIA and may not be applicable to other locations. The pay scale for this role is between $60,000 - $80,000. Final compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience.

We offer a very attractive compensation package including competitive base salary, company performance-based profit sharing, 401k, 100% employer paid health benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, std, ltd, and life insurance plans).

No relocation reimbursement provided.

This position description is not intended to be a complete listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee holding this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may be changed or others may be assigned at any time by the Company with notice to the employee.

Shield AI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing access and opportunities to individuals with disabilities. If you are an applicant who is unable to fully utilize/access our application process because of a disability, Aechelon Technology will provide a reasonable accommodation. Please send an email to [email protected] to request that accommodation, and please be sure to include a detailed description of your requested accommodation, your name and preferred method of contact.

About the company

Aechelon Technology develops high-fidelity flight simulation and immersive visualization systems for government and defense clients. Its geo-specific, multi-spectral 3D environments convert satellite imagery into detailed worlds with resolutions as fine as two inches and elevation accuracy around one meter, used for mission-critical training and decision-making. The systems can integrate XR solutions through partnerships (such as Varjo) to boost realism, and are backed by secure, data center-grade storage for reliability. The company differentiates itself by ultra-high-resolution, geo-specific environments and defense-focused training applications, aiming to expand contracts and partnerships in the defense and aerospace sector.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

South San Francisco, California

Founded

1998

Get referred to Aechelon Technology

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Project Orbion launched September 8, 2025, and reached Coast Guard training deployments.
Lockheed Martin ordered 32 F-35 simulator systems on January 9, 2024.
Shield AI’s June 2026 acquisition funds deeper Hivemind integration and cross-sell opportunities.

What critics are saying

Shield AI owns Aechelon since June 22, 2026; standalone culture disappears fast.
Defense revenue concentrates in U.S. military programs like JSE and Lockheed F-35 training.
Orbion depends on Niantic, ICEYE, and BlackSky; partner churn breaks product delivery.

What makes Aechelon Technology unique

Aechelon’s 2026 Shield AI acquisition embeds its synthetic reality into autonomy stacks.
Its JSE and F-35 simulator roles give it unmatched defense training credibility.
Project Orbion pairs real-time satellite, radar, and photogrammetry into a live Earth twin.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Profit Sharing

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-6%

1 year growth

2 year growth

Defense Daily

Mar 26th, 2026

Shield AI raises $2 billion; acquiring software simulation company Aechelon to strengthen AI pilot.

Shield AI raises $2 billion; acquiring software simulation company Aechelon to strengthen AI pilot. Thursday, March 26th, 2026 Shield AI on Thursday said it has raised $2 billion in new funding, including a $1.5 billion Series G round to buy defense software firm Aechelon and continue development of Shield AI's new jet fighter drone. The Series G round was co-led by the global private equity firm Advent International and the Strategic Investment Group of JPMorganChase. Blackstone is also investing $500 million of preferred equity financing, bringing Shield AI's total raise to $2 billion. X-BAT is Shield AI's vertical... Not a subscriber or registered user yet? Please contact us at [email protected] or call us at 888-707-5814 (Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET.), to start a free trial, get pricing information, order a reprint, or post an article link on your website.

Gulf & Main Magazine

Mar 26th, 2026

Shield AI acquires Pentagon simulation provider Aechelon Technology from Sagewind Capital

Sagewind Capital has announced a definitive agreement to sell portfolio company Aechelon Technology to Shield AI, pending regulatory approvals. Financial terms were not disclosed. Aechelon provides simulation technology and geo-specific databases for manned and unmanned systems across US military branches. The company's software creates physics-based synthetic environments for training warfighters and autonomous systems, and serves as the simulation provider for the Pentagon's Joint Simulation Environment. Shield AI develops autonomy software and aircraft for defence applications. During Sagewind's ownership, Aechelon expanded its R&D capabilities and completed a strategic acquisition to broaden its radar simulation platform. J.P. Morgan Securities served as exclusive financial adviser to Aechelon, with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison providing legal counsel.

Halldale Group

Oct 22nd, 2025

VP to Drive Simulation and Training Innovation

VP to drive simulation and Training Innovation. Aechelon Technology, Inc. appointed Sebastien Loze as Vice President of Market Innovation & Ecosystems, reporting to the company's Chief Strategy Officer. Loze brings more than 20 years of experience connecting high-fidelity simulation with real-time 3D technologies. He previously served as Vice President of Product Innovation at Bohemia Interactive Simulations, a BAE Systems subsidiary, and as Unreal Engine Industry Director for Simulation at Epic Games. In his new role, Loze will lead efforts to expand Aechelon's capabilities into virtual ISR and synthetic data generation for autonomous AI. "Seb's deep understanding of the needs of U.S., NATO, and allied defense forces, combined with Aechelon's cutting-edge simulation and AI technologies, will further accelerate the uptake of Aechelon and Project Orbion," said Javier Castellar, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at Aechelon. At the forefront of this mission is Project Orbion, which integrates real-time satellite imagery, radar intelligence, photogrammetry, and advanced visualization into a continuously refreshed, physics-accurate 3D environment. The initiative is designed to support simulation and mission readiness through advanced AI-enabled digital twin technology. The world's leading authority of safety training news! Civil Aviation Training - Military Simulation & Training - Safety Critical Training

EE News Europe

Sep 15th, 2025

Aechelon launches Project Orbion, first AI-enabled Earth digital twin

Aechelon Technology has teamed up with Niantic Spatial, ICEYE, BlackSky and Distance Technologies to launch Project Orbion, the first AI-enabled digital twin of the Earth.

Auganix

Sep 8th, 2025

Niantic Spatial Integrates Geospatial AI With Aechelon for Coast Guard Training, Signaling Defense Potential

September 8, 2025 - Niantic Spatial, a provider of geospatial AI technology, and Aechelon Technology, a developer of simulation and training systems, have today announced a partnership to integrate Niantic Spatial's platform with Aechelon's Project Orbion.

Aechelon Technology

Geospecific 3D Modeler

About the job