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Principal Engineer, Fluid & Thermal Systems (R4793)

Dallas, Texas
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

Are you an experienced and innovative Fluid & Thermal Systems Engineer looking to help shape the future of AI and robotics technology? Are you eager to make a meaningful impact on cutting-edge products that matter? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment alongside highly motivated and values-focused teammates? Shield AI is the perfect place for you!
 
As a Staff Fluid & Thermal Systems Engineer at Shield AI, you will lead the design, development, and optimization of fluid and thermal systems for our advanced autonomous UAVs and ground systems. Your expertise fluid & thermal system design will drive innovation, prototyping, testing, and the successful integration of solutions that operate reliably in challenging environments. This role requires technical leadership, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and an unwavering commitment to delivering excellence from concept to production.

What you'll do:

  • Own design and analysis of fluid and thermal systems for aircraft and ground platforms.
  • Develop and implement innovative thermal solutions
  • Use first-principles engineering to drive design decisions to yield optimal solutions
  • Research technologies for integration into complex solutions
  • Conduct advanced simulations to predict system performance and refine designs
  • Execute testing and validation efforts, including data acquisition, post-processing, and verification against requirements
  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate fluid and thermal system designs into larger system architectures.
  • Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering technical growth and excellence within the team.
  • Identify suppliers and build successful supplier management relationships for procurement of components or systems for fluid and thermal system designs
  • Other duties as assigned

Required qualifications:

  • Minimum 10+ years of experience in Fluid or Thermal System design, with a proven track record of technical excellence.
  • B.S. or advanced degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline.
  • Deep understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and system-level thermal management.
  • Experience implementing system models in commercial tools, such as MATLAB Simscape, Amesim, etc.
  • Experience developing custom engineering models in Excel and in languages such as MATLAB, Python, etc.
  • Experience in fluid and thermal system testing, including sensor integration, data acquisition, and analysis.
  • Expertise in 3D CAD modeling tools such as Siemens NX or equivalent.
  • Demonstrated ability to execute projects with minimal oversight, assume full ownership, and deliver exceptional outcomes.
  • Excellence in supplier management, COTS component sourcing, optimization/trade studies
  • Proven success in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Extensive experience with fluid & thermal system design, analysis, manufacture and test for aircraft
  • Familiarity with fluid and thermal system effects on aircraft performance
  • Familiarity with startup or R&D environments, demonstrating adaptability and agility under pressure.
  • Strong knowledge of environmental standards and certification processes for aerospace or defense systems.
  • A passion for innovation and the ability to push boundaries in fluid & thermal system development.
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.

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