Principal Environmental Control Systems Engineer (R3052)
San Diego Metro Area / Dallas Metro Area
Aircraft Division – Mechanical /
Full Time Employee /
On-site
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge—as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software). With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.
Job Description:
Are you an experienced and innovative Environmental Control Systems (ECS) 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 Principal Environmental Control Systems Engineer at Shield AI, you will lead the design, development, and optimization of environmental control systems for our advanced autonomous UAVs and ground systems. Your expertise in ECS design will drive innovation, prototyping, testing, and the successful integration of solutions that operate reliably in challenging environments. This role requires exceptional technical leadership, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and an unwavering commitment to delivering excellence from concept to production.
What you'll do:
- Lead the end-to-end design and analysis of environmental control systems for aircraft and ground platforms.
- Develop and implement innovative ECS solutions that optimize performance, reliability, and energy efficiency.
- Use first-principles engineering to drive design decisions in thermal management, humidity control, pressurization, and air quality systems.
- Conduct advanced simulations using CFD and FEA tools to predict ECS performance and refine designs.
- Lead testing and validation efforts, including data acquisition, post-processing, and verification against requirements.
- Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate ECS designs into larger system architectures.
- Drive root-cause analysis and resolution of ECS-related failures through data analysis and testing.
- Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering technical growth and excellence within the team.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement across ECS development processes, ensuring delivery of high-quality solutions.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards for ECS designs.
- Other duties as assigned
Required qualifications:
- Minimum 10+ years of experience in Environmental Control Systems 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.
- Advanced proficiency with CFD and FEA tools such as ANSYS, Icepak, or Flotherm for ECS applications.
- Extensive experience in ECS testing, including sensor integration, data acquisition, and analysis.
- Expertise in 3D CAD modeling tools such as Siemens NX or equivalent.
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects, assume full ownership, and deliver exceptional outcomes.
- Proven success in navigating development cycles and launching products in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with ECS design for cutting-edge autonomous robotic systems.
- 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 ECS development.
$171,080 - $272,514 a year
The posted salary range reflects multiple levels within the role, allowing us to align the position with the candidate's experience and expertise.
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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.
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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.
