Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle
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 a Staff Aircraft Thermal Engineer, you will join a mission-driven team to solve some of the most challenging thermal problems on the X-BAT aircraft program. This includes managing hot exhaust gas, characterizing aircraft-level thermal environments, and developing robust solutions for next-generation VTOL strike aircraft.
This role is designed for an engineer who thrives on first-principles problem solving and can operate autonomously to bridge technical disciplines with clear communication. You will shape designs, guide engineering peers in thermal disciplines, and deliver solutions that meet critical aerospace requirements. If you are eager to make a positive difference in the world alongside values-focused teammates, this is the place for you.
Hiring Process
We utilize 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. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
Equal Opportunity & Culture
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.
We value teammates who work hard, hold themselves and others to high standards, and treat others with kindness.
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_circleExecute 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_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 design reviews and technical reports
- check_circleProactively identify thermal risks, propose solutions, and influence aircraft thermal design
- check_circleExecute trade studies, define system architecture, and manage technical risk assessments
Requirements
- verifiedB.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
- verifiedMinimum 7 years of professional experience in thermal engineering
- verifiedProficiency with thermal analysis and CFD tools (e.g., FloEFD, STAR-CCM+, Thermal Desktop)
- verifiedProficiency with CAD design tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or similar
- verifiedM.S. in a relevant engineering discipline (preferred)
- verifiedExtensive experience with high-altitude aircraft thermal management (preferred)
- verifiedFamiliarity with aircraft integration constraints (preferred)
- verifiedHands-on experience with thermal and fluid system testing (preferred)
- verifiedKnowledge of materials and manufacturing methods relevant to aerospace thermal management (preferred)
- verified
Nice to Have
M.S. 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. Background in multi-disciplinary system integration, spanning avionics, fluid systems, and systems engineering.
Benefits & Perks
check_circleFull-time regular employee offer package includes pay, bonus, benefits, and equitycheck_circleTemporary employee offer package includes temporary benefits after 60 days of employment
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Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Thermal Engineering, Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Conduction, Convection, Radiation, Active Cooling, Passive Cooling, Thermal Management, Thermal Analysis.
Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline required; M.S. in a relevant engineering discipline preferred.
Frequently asked questions about Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle at Shield AI
What does a Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle at Shield AI do?expand_more
A Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle at Shield AI is responsible for the following: Execute 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; Define and oversee test planning, instrumentation, and data analysis to correlate models with experimental results; and Mentor and guide cross-disciplinary teams in applying thermal and fluid fundamentals.
What are the requirements for this Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle role?expand_more
To qualify for the Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle at Shield AI position, applicants should have: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline; Minimum 7 years of professional experience in thermal engineering; Proficiency with thermal analysis and CFD tools (e.g., FloEFD, STAR-CCM+, Thermal Desktop); Proficiency with CAD design tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or similar; M.S. in a relevant engineering discipline (preferred); and Extensive experience with high-altitude aircraft thermal management (preferred).
Where is the Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle role at Shield AI located?expand_more
Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle 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 Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Shield AI has listed this Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle role?expand_more
Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle at Shield AI typically requires 7+ years of relevant experience at the senior level.
What skills do you need for the Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle role at Shield AI?expand_more
Key skills for Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle at Shield AI include Thermal Engineering; Heat Transfer; Fluid Mechanics; Conduction; Convection; Radiation; Active Cooling; and Passive Cooling.
What education is required for Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle at Shield AI?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline required; and M.S. in a relevant engineering discipline preferred.
What category does the Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle role belong to?expand_more
Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle at Shield AI is part of the engineering job category on Recrutus.