Full-Time
Director – Aero-Performance
Updated on 3/14/2025
Shield AI
501-1,000 employees
Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense
Compensation Overview
$192.6k - $288.8kAnnually
Expert
Dallas, TX, USA
Onsite position in the Dallas metro area.
US Top Secret Clearance Required
- Typically requires a minimum of 15 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 14 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 12 years experience; or equivalent experience.
- Extensive experience in aerodynamic design and analysis, particularly for unmanned or autonomous aircraft.
- 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.
- Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed expectations in a fast-paced environment.
- You have a demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others.
- Lead the aerodynamic design, analysis, and optimization of UAS, focusing on performance, stability, and efficiency.
- Conduct computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and wind tunnel tests to validate aerodynamic designs.
- Develop and implement aerodynamic performance models and tools to support design and flight operations.
- Support conceptual and preliminary design efforts of aircraft and components.
- Progress infrastructure for databases, codes, and tools management.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including structural engineers, propulsion engineers, and control systems engineers, to ensure integrated and optimized aircraft performance.
- Analyze flight test data to validate and refine aerodynamic models and designs.
- Stay updated with the latest advancements in aerodynamics and apply best practices to our systems.
- Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of our engineering processes.
- Experience with UAVs or other autonomous systems.
- Knowledge of aircraft propulsion systems and integration.
- Familiarity with flight control systems and their impact on aerodynamic performance.
- Experience with Pointwise, Tecplot or similar CFD software tools.
- Experience with low-speed airfoil design.
- Experience with wind tunnel testing.
- Experience with aeroelasticity and flutter analysis.
Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems specifically for the defense industry. The company develops advanced AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communications are unavailable. This technology allows for safer and more efficient defense operations. Shield AI differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on high-demand solutions that enhance operational capabilities and safety, and by securing significant contracts with government and military clients, such as the multi-billion dollar EWAAC contract. The company's goal is to protect lives through its innovative technologies and to continue growing in the defense technology market.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Late Stage VC
Total Funding
$1B
Headquarters
San Diego, California
Founded
2015
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Recent $240 million funding round boosts Shield AI's growth and innovation capabilities.
- Collaboration with L3Harris enhances Shield AI's electronic warfare solutions and market opportunities.
- Gary Steele's appointment as CEO positions Shield AI for accelerated growth and market leadership.
What critics are saying
- Emerging AI defense startups could threaten Shield AI's market position with competitive solutions.
- Rapid AI advancements may require Shield AI to invest heavily in R&D to stay competitive.
- Potential delays in government contract approvals could impact Shield AI's revenue stream.
What makes Shield AI unique
- Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI Pilot deployed in combat since 2018.
- The company focuses on AI systems for defense, enhancing military operations' safety and efficiency.
- Shield AI's strategic acquisitions, like Martin UAV, strengthen its position in defense technology.
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Benefits
Medical Insurance Coverage
Long Term Disability Insurance
Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA
Employee Assistance Program
Subsidized Gym Membership
Pet Insurance
Competitive Compensation
Retirement Services
Life Insurance
Parental Leave
Bereavement Support
Flexible Work Hours
PTO
Paid Holidays
Commuter Benefits
Relaxed Dress Code
Yearly Swag Items
Unlimited Snacks
Bottomless Beverages
Annual Celebrations
Work From Home Benefits
Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 1%1 year growth
↑ 0%2 year growth
↑ 0%Earlier, Shield AI announced on the 6th that it secured $240 million in funding from strategic investor Hanwha Aerospace and existing investors such as Andreessen Horowitz.
SAN DIEGO, March 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shield AI, the deep-tech company building state-of-the-art autonomy software and defense aircraft, today announced a leadership transition designed to accelerate the company's next phase of growth. Gary Steele, a seasoned technology executive with over 30 years of experience scaling global technology enterprises, will join Shield AI as CEO on May 13, 2025. Steele will also join Shield AI's Board of Directors, bringing a proven track record of driving high-growth companies toward operational scale and market leadership.After a decade as Co-Founder and CEO, Ryan Tseng has made the decision to step down from his role and transition into Co-Founder and President, where he will focus on driving senior level engagement with the US and foreign policy and defense leaders, as well as with aerospace and defense companies. Under Ryan's leadership, Shield AI has achieved extraordinary growth, expanding to more than 900 teammates, raising over $1 billion in funding, and becoming the fourth multi-billion-dollar defense technology company."Among my most important responsibilities has always been ensuring Shield AI is led by the absolute best person for the role. Exceptional leaders prioritize mission, embody honor, are service-driven, intellectually rigorous, tireless in effort, wise in judgment, and introspective," said Ryan Tseng. "Over the past year, with the demand for autonomy solutions at scale and the growth of our aircraft business, it became unmistakably clear that Shield AI required a leader with not only deep software expertise but proven experience scaling technology organizations
Learn more about the $240 million F-1 strategic financing round closed by Shield AI to help expand the deployment of its Hivemind Enterprise AI-powered autonomy software suite.
Industrial observers say Shield AI's software could be integrated into Hanwha's future unmanned aircraft platforms.
Shield AI on Thursday said it has raised $240 million in a new funding round to fuel growth of its autonomy software suite that it recently began offering to other companies, governments, and developers to build, test, and integrate autonomy into their robotic...