Staff Engineer, Simulation Modeling at Shield AI

California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, DefenseIndustries

Requirements

BS or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Math, Physics, or related field with 4+ years of aerospace modeling experience
1+ years of experience working on pilot/operator training systems
C++ foundation with experience implementing numerical methods
Demonstrated experience with aerospace models such as: Aerodynamics (lift/drag curves, stability derivatives, dynamic response), Atmosphere/environment (COESA, ICAO, gravity, wind models), Vehicle dynamics
Experience validating simulations against real-world or experimental data
Ability to write clear documentation explaining assumptions, limitations, and expected behaviors of models
Passion for aerospace and autonomous vehicle systems
Strong problem-solving mindset with a collaborative and detail-oriented approach
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Eigen, MATLAB/Simulink, or SciPy for model prototyping and validation
Background in multi-body dynamics or flight mechanics
Familiarity with sensor models (GPS, IMU, radar, etc.) for simulation environments
Knowledge of uncertainty quantification and statistical analysis methods
Experience with parallelization or GPU acceleration for compute-heavy models
Familiarity with Python for test automation and data analysis pipelines
Experience contributing to simulation pipelines in aerospace, defense, or robotics domains

Responsibilities

Develop and enhance aerospace physics models (aerodynamics, propulsion, environmental, sensor, etc.) for use in simulation and evaluation
Translate theoretical models into efficient, reliable C++ and Matlab implementations with a focus on numerical accuracy and performance
Validate models against real-world data and authoritative references (e.g., COESA atmosphere, wind tunnel data, flight test logs)
Collaborate with simulation and training application teams to ensure models integrate cleanly into operator-facing tools
Design automated validation and regression testing strategies for mathematical models to ensure fidelity across releases
Prototype and evaluate new modeling techniques (reduced-order models, uncertainty quantification, machine learning–based surrogates) to push the state of the art
Document assumptions, equations, and validation results so that both engineers and operators can trust model outputs

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

C++MatlabAerodynamicsPropulsionSensor ModelingNumerical MethodsSimulation ModelingModel ValidationRegression TestingUncertainty Quantification

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What qualifications are required for the Staff Engineer, Simulation Modeling role?

Required qualifications include a BS or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Math, Physics, or related field with 4+ years of aerospace modeling experience, 1+ years on pilot/operator training systems, C++ foundation with numerical methods experience, demonstrated experience with specific aerospace models like aerodynamics and atmosphere, simulation validation against real-world data, clear documentation skills, passion for aerospace, and a strong problem-solving mindset.

What are the preferred qualifications for this position?

Preferred qualifications include experience with Eigen, MATLAB/Simulink, or SciPy for model prototyping and validation, background in multi-body dynamics or flight mechanics, familiarity with sensor models like GPS and IMU, knowledge of uncertainty quantification and statistical analysis, experience with parallelization or GPU acceleration, and familiarity with Python for test automation.

Is this a remote position or does it require office work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the compensation or salary for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What kind of experience stands out for applicants to this role?

Strong candidates will have 4+ years of aerospace modeling experience, including specific expertise in aerodynamics, atmosphere models, and vehicle dynamics, plus hands-on work with C++ for numerical implementations, simulation validation against real data, and experience in pilot/operator training systems.

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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