Skip to content

Manager, Simulation Engineering (R4870)

Dallas, Texas
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

As the VBAT Simulation Lead, you will be responsible for improving and scaling our simulation capabilities for the V-BAT and future aircraft. You will design, resource, manage, build and integrate tooling across our various engineering teams (e.g. Aerodynamics, GNC, Propulsion, etc.) to enable efficient and scalable simulation workflows. Your simulation solutions will be a key development tool for other engineers and also a critical gate in our release process. 

What you'll do:

  • Work with tech leads and stockholders to design,  track, and report simulation roadmaps and release plans.  
  • Align needs and priorities across many teams and disciplines 
  • Hire and manage a team of specialized simulation engineers across multiple locations. 
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, autonomy engineers, and aerodynamics engineers, to ensure the simulation accurately reflects real-world conditions 
  • Create and maintain processes and workflows to build confidence in simulation tooling to both internal and external customers.  
  • Stay updated with the latest advancements in simulation technologies and drive best practices across the team 
  • Build and maintain documentation and dashboards to quickly provide data and status to leadership. 

Required qualifications:

  • BS in Computer Science or related engineering field with 8+ years of professional experience. 
  • 3+ years of experience leading engineering teams or projects. 
  • Passion for simulation and testing with the goal of ensuring safety and reliability at scale. 
  • A proven track record of working with multiple stakeholder groups and managing clear and successful roadmaps 
  • Strong foundation in C++ and software architecture  
  • Foundational knowledge of statistics and its application in software development, testing, and data analysis.  
  • Solid understanding of mathematics (especially linear algebra) and foundational physics, with the ability to interpret technical papers and algorithms effectively.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and/or containerized application development 
  • Familiarity with rigid body dynamics (e.g. Euler’s equations, quaternions), aerodynamics, propulsion systems, etc.  
  • Experience with Python 3 and data science frameworks (e.g. NumPy, Pandas, Dagster)  
  • Experience with robotics concepts, including node-based architectures such as ROS or similar middleware frameworks. 
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. 

About Shield AI

Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company building autonomous AI systems for aircraft, drones, and intelligent mission software used in complex military environments. Founded in 2015, the company is best known for developing Hivemind, an AI pilot system that enables aircraft and drones to operate autonomously in contested and GPS-denied environments, supporting U.S. and allied defense missions.

For job seekers, Shield AI offers opportunities across advanced fields including artificial intelligence, robotics, software engineering, autonomy systems, aerospace engineering, embedded systems, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, AI researchers, and defense professionals who want to work on real-world autonomous systems that are actively being deployed in operational military scenarios.

Unlike traditional defense contractors, Shield AI operates with a startup-style engineering culture focused on rapid experimentation, real-world testing, and fast deployment of autonomous capabilities. Employees work on tightly integrated AI and robotics systems that combine perception, decision-making, and control, enabling platforms to operate without direct human input in highly complex environments.

As modern warfare increasingly shifts toward autonomous systems, distributed sensing, and AI-enabled decision-making, Shield AI continues to grow as one of the most prominent companies in next-generation defense technology. For professionals seeking to build cutting-edge autonomy systems with direct mission impact, Shield AI stands out as a leading employer in the defense innovation ecosystem.

Go to company profile