# Principal Engineer, Fluid & Thermal Systems (R4793)

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Dallas, TX
**Role:** Hardware Engineering
**Salary:** $200k – $310k/yr
**Experience:** 10+ years
**Skills:** MATLAB, Python, Matlab Simscape, Amesim, Siemens Nx, Excel, Heat Transfer, Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics, 3D Cad
**Posted:** 2026-04-15

> Leads design, analysis, simulation, testing, and integration of fluid and thermal systems for autonomous UAVs and ground platforms. Requires 10+ years experience in fluid/thermal engineering, expertise in modeling tools like MATLAB/Python/Simscape, and CAD like Siemens NX.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- 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.

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