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Principal Engineer, Fluid & Thermal Systems (R4793)

Shield AISeattle, WashingtonX-BAT Engineering - Mechanical
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Salary
$250K - $370K USD
Job type
Full Time Employee
Posted
15 Apr 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

Defense is seeking a Principal Engineer for Fluid and Thermal Systems to lead the design, development, and optimization of critical systems for autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles and ground equipment in Seattle, Washington. This full-time position suits an experienced and innovative engineering professional eager to drive cutting-edge technology within a mission-driven environment.

Role Overview

As a Principal Engineer for Fluid and Thermal Systems, the individual will shape the future of artificial intelligence and robotics technology at Defense. Working within the X-BAT Engineering mechanical department, the role focuses on delivering excellence from the initial concept phase through full-scale production. The position centers on creating robust thermal and fluid solutions capable of operating reliably in demanding operational conditions.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the complete lifecycle design, development, and optimization of fluid and thermal systems for advanced autonomous UAVs and ground equipment.
Drive innovation through hands-on prototyping and comprehensive testing of thermal architectures.
Oversee the successful integration of fluid and thermal solutions into complex hardware platforms.
Provide technical leadership across cross-functional engineering teams to ensure project success.

Skills and Tools

Fluid system design and engineering
Thermal system architecture and optimization
Prototyping and hardware testing methodologies
Cross-functional technical leadership and collaboration

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary range for this position is between $250,000 and $370,000 USD.

About the Company

Defense is a venture-backed defense technology enterprise dedicated to safeguarding service members and civilians through the deployment of intelligent systems. The organization's portfolio includes Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, alongside Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality solutions. With international offices and operational facilities spanning the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region, Defense technology actively supports missions globally.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the official company careers page to submit an application for this position.

Questions candidates ask

What is the location of the Principal Engineer, Fluid & Thermal Systems role?

The position is located in Seattle, Washington.

What is the salary range for this position?

The annual salary ranges from $250,000 to $370,000 USD.

What department manages this role?

This role is part of the X-BAT Engineering - Mechanical department.

What type of employment is this?

This is a full-time employee position.

How can I apply for the job?

Candidates should apply directly on the official company careers page.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official Shield AI careers page.

Apply on company site