Aerodynamics & Performance Engineer

R2265

Updated on 12/7/2023

501-1,000 employees

Website

Develops autonomous AI pilots for military aircrafts

Company Overview

Shield AI, a leader in AI for aviation, has a proven track record of technical innovation, with its Hivemind autonomy stack being the world's first autonomous AI Pilot deployed in combat since 2018. The company's culture is rooted in its mission to protect service members and civilians, and it has been recognized by Forbes, CB Insights, and Fast Company for its industry leadership. With a competitive edge backed by top-tier Silicon Valley VC funds, Shield AI offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI technology in aviation.

AI & Machine Learning

Aerospace

B2B

Company Stage

Series F

Total Funding

$723.1M

Founded

2015

Headquarters

San Diego, California

Growth & Insights

Headcount

6 month growth

↑ 6%

1 year growth

↑ 35%

2 year growth

↑ 114%

Locations

San Diego, CA, USA

Experience Level

Entry

Junior

Mid

Senior

Expert

Desired Skills

CAD

Data Analysis

Autodesk CFD

Python

MATLAB

SolidWorks

CategoriesNew

Aerospace Engineering

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

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

Desired 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

Introduction to Shield AI

Founded 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

#LE

#LI-AC1

Total package details:

Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity (if applicable)

Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

*Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity

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. All offers are contingent on a cleared background check.

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.