Mass Properties Engineer

About Shield AI

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms, enabling complex missions with high reliability in contested environments. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and internationally, Shield AI’s products actively support U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn,Twitter, and Instagram.

Job Description

Are you a passionate and innovative engineer looking to help develop next-generation autonomous aircraft? Are you eager to make a positive impact in the world? Do you want to work alongside mission-driven and values-focused teammates? Shield AI is just the place for you!

As a Mass Properties Engineer, you will play a critical role in the development and optimization of autonomous aircraft systems, ensuring precise mass properties tracking and analysis throughout the product lifecycle. Your expertise will support aircraft performance trade studies, loads development, structural analysis, cost analysis, and mission effectiveness evaluations. This role is essential in driving the success of Shield AI’s next-gen autonomous vehicles, ensuring they meet stringent weight, balance, and efficiency requirements.

What you'll do:

Lead and participate in system-level trade studies to optimize payload, propulsion, power distribution, thermal management, and flight dynamics.

Conduct mass properties estimation for early-stage designs, prototyping, and full-scale production.

Estimate, calculate, and verify weight, center of gravity, and inertia properties for components, assemblies, and complete aircraft systems.

Develop and refine analysis tools and methods for mass properties estimation and optimization.

Generate and maintain mass properties reports for engineering, manufacturing, and leadership teams.

Implement and execute mass properties verification tests to validate design assumptions.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including aerodynamics, structures, avionics, propulsion, and manufacturing to ensure mass properties are controlled throughout development.

Maintain and update the mass properties database to track weight trends across vehicle programs.

Required qualifications:

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science/Engineering, or related field.

3+ years of experience in mass properties analysis within aerospace, defense, or high-tech vehicle development.

Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, Siemens NX, or similar).

Familiarity with mass properties industry standards (ATA100, SAWE RP A-7, RP 7, RP 8, or predecessors).

Experience defining mass properties requirements and ensuring compliance across design iterations.

Experience developing and maintaining a Mass Properties Management and Control Plan.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

#LI-JW2

#LC

Total package details for U.S. based positions:

- Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

- Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days

of employment)

- Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity

Total package details for International positions which are roles based outside of the United States (where applicable):

- International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer

allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.

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.

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.

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Mass Properties Engineer

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