About Shield AI
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms, enabling complex missions with high reliability in contested environments. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and internationally, Shield AI’s products actively support U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn,Twitter, and Instagram.
Job Description:
Shield AI is seeking a Principal Engineer, Subsystems to lead the design, integration, and optimization of aircraft subsystems for our next-generation autonomous aircraft.
This role is critical to ensuring the performance, reliability, and scalability of key aircraft subsystems, including hydraulic, electromechanical, landing gear, fuel, and environmental control systems. You will work across mechanical, electrical, and software teams to develop a highly integrated, mission-ready aircraft capable of sustained operations in contested environments.
This is a high-impact opportunity to define and build mission-critical aircraft subsystems that will directly shape the future of autonomous aerial warfare.
What you'll do:
- Lead the design and development of critical aircraft subsystems, ensuring seamless integration into the overall airframe.
- Define system architecture and requirements for hydraulic, electromechanical, and fuel systems.
- Develop power distribution and environmental control systems for long-endurance UAV operations.
- Ensure reliability, redundancy, and fail-safe operation across all critical subsystems.
- Optimize weight, efficiency, and modularity to enhance aircraft performance and sustainment.
- Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, and autonomy teams to align subsystems with overall mission objectives.
- Work with suppliers and manufacturing teams to transition designs from prototype to production.
- Conduct system-level testing, fault analysis, and flight validation to ensure mission readiness.
- Ensure compliance with MIL-STD, FAA, and DoD aerospace regulations.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience in aircraft subsystems engineering, integration, or development.
- Expertise in hydraulic, electromechanical, landing gear, or fuel system design for UAVs or military aircraft.
- Hands-on experience in full-aircraft development, from concept to production launch.
- Proficiency in CAD & system modeling tools (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, MATLAB/Simulink).
- Strong knowledge of power distribution, redundancy, and aerospace-grade component selection.
- Experience working with DoD stakeholders, compliance teams, and mission operators.
- US Citizenship required due to security clearance requirements.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience working on high-performance UAVs, military aircraft, or advanced aerospace platforms.
- Background in autonomous system design and AI-driven fault detection.
- Experience in scaling aerospace production, including supplier qualification and cost optimization.
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Total package details for U.S. based positions:
- Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
- 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
Total package details for International positions which are roles based outside of the United States (where applicable):
- International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer
allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.
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.
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.
