Senior Staff Thermal Engineer - Aircraft Avionics & Thermal Systems (R3930) at Shield AI

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Shield AI Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Aerospace, Defense, AviationIndustries

Requirements

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
  • Minimum 7 years of professional experience in avionics or electronics thermal engineering
  • Strong expertise in heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation) and fluid mechanics
  • Deep understanding of active and passive cooling solutions and their integration at component and system level
  • Deep understanding of thermal management design elements including TIMs, spreaders, heat sinks, vapor chambers, heat pipes, and fans
  • Proficiency with thermal analysis and CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Icepak, FloEFD, STAR-CCM+)
  • Proficiency with CAD design tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or similar
  • Demonstrated experience applying first-principles reasoning to complex engineering problems
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of leading technical discussions and presenting to stakeholders
  • Proven ability to learn and adapt quickly to new tools, processes, and technical challenges in a fast paced, startup environment
  • Preferred qualifications
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline
  • Experience with high altitude aircraft avionics cooling and thermal 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 thermal management (pumps, heat exchangers, composites, etc.)
  • Experience guiding trade studies, proposals, and customer interactions in aerospace or defense programs
  • Background in multi-disciplinary system integration

Responsibilities

  • Own thermal analysis and design efforts for unmanned aerial vehicle avionics and thermal/fluid systems
  • Develop and validate analytical, numerical, and computational models for heat transfer and fluid flow using hand calculations and CFD tools such as FloEFD
  • Provide technical leadership in trade studies, system architecture decisions, and risk assessments
  • Drive test planning, instrumentation, and data analysis to correlate models with experimental results
  • Mentor junior engineers and guide cross-disciplinary teams in applying thermal/fluid fundamentals
  • Communicate technical findings clearly through executive-level briefings, design reviews, and written reports
  • Proactively identify risks, propose solutions, and influence electrical and/or PCBA design direction

Skills

Thermal Analysis
CFD
FloEFD
Heat Transfer
Fluid Flow
Avionics
Aircraft Thermal Systems
Trade Studies
Test Planning
Instrumentation
Data Analysis

Shield AI

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

About Shield AI

Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems specifically for the defense industry. The company develops AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communication may not be available. This technology allows for safer and more efficient defense operations. Shield AI differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on advanced AI capabilities and securing significant contracts with government and military clients, such as the multi-billion dollar EWAAC contract. The company's goal is to enhance operational capabilities and safety in military contexts, ultimately aiming to protect lives through its innovative solutions.

San Diego, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2015Year Founded
$772.8MTotal Funding
DEBTCompany Stage
AI & Machine Learning, DefenseIndustries
501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Medical Insurance Coverage
Long Term Disability Insurance
Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA
Employee Assistance Program
Subsidized Gym Membership
Pet Insurance
Competitive Compensation
Retirement Services
Life Insurance
Parental Leave
Bereavement Support
Flexible Work Hours
PTO
Paid Holidays
Commuter Benefits
Relaxed Dress Code
Yearly Swag Items
Unlimited Snacks
Bottomless Beverages
Annual Celebrations
Work From Home Benefits
Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors

Risks

Increased competition from companies like Waymo could divert investment from Shield AI.
Geopolitical tensions may challenge the JSW Defence partnership for V-BAT production in India.
Dependency on Palantir's infrastructure may limit Shield AI's operational flexibility.

Differentiation

Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI pilot deployed in combat since 2018.
Strategic partnerships with Palantir and JSW Defence enhance technological capabilities and market reach.
Shield AI's V-BAT drone is selected for a $198 million U.S. Coast Guard contract.

Upsides

Increased demand for autonomous systems in defense boosts Shield AI's market potential.
Successful multi-aircraft autonomous flight tests showcase advanced AI piloting capabilities.
Significant investment in robotics indicates a robust market for Shield AI's offerings.

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