Senior Staff Engineer, Aerospace (R5082)

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.

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.

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.

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.