Principal Engineer, Aircraft Thermal (R4353)
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onBig Bully Turf, 350, Front Street, Banker's Hill, San Diego, San Diego County, California, 92101, United States
About Shield AI
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with a mission to protect service members and civilians using intelligent systems. Our technology actively supports operations worldwide, with offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific. Our product lines include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and Hivemind Vision.
About the Role
As the Principal Aircraft Thermal Engineer, you will lead the charge in solving the most challenging thermal problems on the XBAT aircraft program. This role focuses on hot exhaust gas management and aircraft-level thermal environments and characterization. You will be part of a mission-driven team of values-focused teammates who are passionate about making a positive difference in the world.
This position is designed for an engineer who thrives on first-principles problem solving and can set technical direction for ambiguous, open-ended challenges. You will bridge technical disciplines with clear communication and leadership, shaping designs and guiding engineering teams to deliver robust thermal solutions that meet mission-critical aerospace requirements.
Hiring Process
All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment; final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Equal Opportunity
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and 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.
Work location
Work model: On-site
Big Bully Turf, 350, Front Street, Banker's Hill, San Diego, San Diego County, California, 92101, United States
San Diego, California
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleLead thermal analysis and characterization for unmanned aerial vehicle aircraft-level thermal systems
- check_circleArchitect and validate analytical, numerical, and computational models for heat transfer and fluid flow
- check_circleProvide leadership in trade studies, system architecture decisions, and technical risk assessments
- check_circleDefine and oversee test planning, instrumentation, and data analysis to correlate models with experimental results
- check_circleMentor and guide cross-disciplinary teams in applying thermal and fluid fundamentals
- check_circleCommunicate technical findings through executive-level briefings, design reviews, and technical reports
- check_circleProactively identify program risks, propose solutions, and influence aircraft thermal design
- check_circleRepresent Shield AI in technical reviews, proposals, and customer interactions
Requirements
- verifiedB.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
- verifiedMinimum 12 years of professional experience in avionics or electronics thermal engineering
- verifiedProficiency with thermal analysis and CFD tools (e.g., FloEFD, STAR-CCM+)
- verifiedProficiency with CAD design tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or similar
- verifiedM.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline (preferred)
- verifiedCleared background required
Nice to Have
M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline. Extensive experience with high-altitude aircraft thermal management, analysis, and design. Familiarity with aircraft integration constraints (power, weight, volume, maintainability, safety). Hands-on experience with thermal and fluid system testing, instrumentation, and validation. Knowledge of materials and manufacturing methods relevant to aerospace thermal management. Experience guiding trade studies, proposals, and customer interactions in aerospace or defense programs. Background in multi-disciplinary system integration, spanning avionics, fluid systems, and systems engineering.
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Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Conduction, Convection, Radiation, Finite Difference Methods, CFD, Floefd, Star-CCM+, Cad.
Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline required; M.S. in a relevant engineering discipline preferred; Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline preferred.
Frequently asked questions about Principal Engineer, Aircraft Thermal (R4353) at Shield AI
What does a Principal Engineer, Aircraft Thermal (R4353) at Shield AI do?expand_more
A Principal Engineer, Aircraft Thermal (R4353) at Shield AI is responsible for the following: Lead thermal analysis and characterization for unmanned aerial vehicle aircraft-level thermal systems; Architect and validate analytical, numerical, and computational models for heat transfer and fluid flow; Provide leadership in trade studies, system architecture decisions, and technical risk assessments; and Define and oversee test planning, instrumentation, and data analysis to correlate models with experimental results.
What are the requirements for this Principal Engineer, Aircraft Thermal (R4353) role?expand_more
Shield AI is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline; Minimum 12 years of professional experience in avionics or electronics thermal engineering; Proficiency with thermal analysis and CFD tools (e.g., FloEFD, STAR-CCM+); Proficiency with CAD design tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or similar; M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline (preferred); and Cleared background required.
Where is the Principal Engineer, Aircraft Thermal (R4353) role at Shield AI located?expand_more
Principal Engineer, Aircraft Thermal (R4353) at Shield AI is based in Big Bully Turf, 350, Front Street, Banker's Hill, San Diego, San Diego County, California, 92101, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Principal Engineer, Aircraft Thermal (R4353) job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Shield AI has listed this Principal Engineer, Aircraft Thermal (R4353) role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Principal Engineer, Aircraft Thermal (R4353) role?expand_more
Principal Engineer, Aircraft Thermal (R4353) at Shield AI typically requires 12+ years of relevant experience at the lead level.
What skills do you need for the Principal Engineer, Aircraft Thermal (R4353) role at Shield AI?expand_more
Key skills for Principal Engineer, Aircraft Thermal (R4353) at Shield AI include Heat Transfer; Fluid Mechanics; Conduction; Convection; Radiation; Finite Difference Methods; CFD; and Floefd.
What education is required for Principal Engineer, Aircraft Thermal (R4353) at Shield AI?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline required; M.S. in a relevant engineering discipline preferred; and Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline preferred.
What category does the Principal Engineer, Aircraft Thermal (R4353) role belong to?expand_more
Principal Engineer, Aircraft Thermal (R4353) at Shield AI is part of the engineering job category on Recrutus.