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Shield AI

a16z — Backed by a16z
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Staff Engineer, Thermal - Air Vehicle (R4856)

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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:

Are you a passionate and innovative thermal engineer looking to help develop the next generation VTOL strike aircraft? Are you eager to make a positive difference in the world? Do you want to work alongside mission-driven and values-focused teammates? Shield AI is just the place for you!

As a Staff Aircraft Thermal Engineer you will solve many of the most challenging thermal problems on the XBAT aircraft program, including hot exhaust gas management and aircraft-level thermal environments and characterization and more.
This role is best suited for an engineer who thrives on first-principles problem solving, can operate autonomously in solving challenging thermal problems, and bridges technical disciplines with clear communication. You will shape designs, guide engineering peers in thermal disciplines, and deliver robust thermal solutions that meet mission-critical aerospace requirements.

What you'll do:

  • Execute thermal analysis and characterization efforts for unmanned aerial vehicle aircraft-level thermal systems.
  • Architect and validate analytical, numerical, and computational models for heat transfer and fluid flow using hand calculations, finite difference methods, and CFD tools such as FloEFD.
  • Execute trade studies, make system architecture decisions, own requirements generation, and make technical risk assessments.
  • Define and oversee test planning, instrumentation, and data analysis to correlate models with experimental results.
  • Mentor and guide cross-disciplinary teams in applying thermal/fluid fundamentals.
  • Communicate technical findings through design reviews and technical reports.
  • Proactively identify thermal risks, propose solutions, and influence aircraft thermal design.

    • Required qualifications:

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Minimum 7 years of professional experience in thermal engineering.
  • Deep expertise in heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation) and fluid mechanics.
  • Advanced understanding of active and passive cooling solutions.
  • Knowledge of thermal management techniques for aircraft bays, engine bays, and hot surfaces.
  • 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
  • Demonstrated ability to apply first-principles reasoning to complex engineering problems.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills.
  • Demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

    • Preferred qualifications:

  • 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.
    • #LI-MS1
    #LD

    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

    Which location are you applying for?, 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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