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Shield AI

a16z — Backed by a16z
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Senior Staff Engineer, Aerospace (R5082)

Open 59d
This position is no longer accepting applications(closed Aug 7, 2026).
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit . Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description:

The Flight Sciences team at Shield AI integrates stability & control, aerodynamics, performance, and aero-propulsion to redefine the limits of unmanned aviation. As a member of this team, you will bridge the gap between theoretical design and flight testing. We aren't just analyzing data; we are building the future of autonomous flight. If you thrive in high-tempo, collaborative environments where your work moves quickly from concept to reality, we want you on our team.

What you'll do:

  • Flying Qualities Analysis: Work closely with the Guidance and Control (GNC) team to optimize control usage and verify the X-BAT flying qualities are suitable for the intended mission.
  • Lead Flying Qualities Flight Test: Coordinate with other flight sciences disciplines, and Test & Evaluation team, to develop an integrated test approach that results in certification of the X-BAT in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Integrate Air Data Systems: Partner with cross-disciplinary teams to define sensor locations, system architecture and calibration algorithms that meet accuracy and redundancy requirements
  • Spearhead Aero Model Validation: Champion the development of tools and flight test aids that will be used to update/validate aerodynamic models using flight test results.
  • Support Wind Tunnel Testing and Aero Model Development: Work with a team of flight sciences engineers to plan and execute a variety of wind tunnel tests and integrate the results into a 6DOF Aerodynamic database.

    • Required qualifications:

  • Education: B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent technical field).
  • Core Expertise: 15+ years of experience in Stability & Control, with specific expertise in flying qualities analysis, flight test planning/execution and requirements compliance.
  • Flight Test Expertise: Extensive experience with all phases of flight test including planning, cross discipline integration, control room procedures, execution and final certification.
  • Software Proficiency: Ability to develop customized tools that can be used for flying qualities analysis, plotting and simulation.
  • Character: A demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to a high standard, and being kind to others.
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

    • Preferred qualifications:

  • Advanced Control Systems: Expert level understanding of the dependencies between the control laws and the fundamental stability and control characteristics of the aircraft.
  • Full Life Cycle Experience: First-hand knowledge of the steps required to take a high performance military aircraft from preliminary design through flight test.
  • Collaborative Problem Solving: A proven ability to work closely with others.
    • #LE

    Full-time regular employee offer package:
    Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
    Temporary employee offer package:
    Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
    Salary 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 and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
    ###
    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.
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    What this application asks

    lever

    Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Twitter URL, GitHub URL, Portfolio URL, Other website

    • Are you authorized to work in the United States? choose one
    • Will you require sponsorship for employment now or in the future? choose one
    • If yes, what type of sponsorship? written answer · optional
    • This position may require access to information and technology that is subject to export controls, such as EAR. Are you any of the following? choose one
    • If you selected "A protected Individual" OR "Other" to the above question, please explain further. written answer · optional
    • Shield AI provides technology, services, and support to the United States military and allied forces with their various missions. If selected for employment with Shield AI, your contributions will directly relate to and/or support these missions. Are there any reasons why you would not be able to fully contribute in support of the U.S. military and allied forces? choose one
    • (Optional) If you selected other or would like to expand on the above, feel free to do so below: written answer · optional
    • How did you hear about us? choose one
    • If "Industry Conference" or "Other," please provide more details: written answer · optional
    • Please state your full legal name:
    • Are you a transitioning service member? choose one
    • If yes, what partnership program are you working with? choose one · optional
    • If other, please provide further details written answer · optional
    • When are you available to start your fellowship? written answer · optional
    • When are you available for full time work? written answer · optional
    • What full time job(s) are you applying for? written answer
    • Are you local to or willing to relocate? choose one · optional
    • What office(s) would you be willing to relocate to? (Select all that apply) yes / no · optional
    • If you selected international, what location(s)? written answer · optional
    • Do you have, or are you able to obtain, a S/SAR clearance? choose one · optional

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