Introduction to Shield AI
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown a fighter jet (F-16), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (V-BAT), and a quadcopter (Nova). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies.
Job Description:
Our 2025 Summer Internship program is a wonderful opportunity for rising 2026 graduates to immerse themselves in an innovative and mission driven culture. Our 10-week paid internship program will provide you with hands on mentorship, an opportunity to add real contribution to our company via your internship project, and a possible job offer at the end. You will have the chance to make lifelong friendships, expand your network, and learn all about what it's like to work in a high-growth, fast scaling tech unicorn. You'll take part in company sponsored events and enjoy exploring a new city. Read on below to learn more about this unique internship!
The Aerodynamics and Performance team focuses on researching and developing state-of-the-art, high-performance vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. As an aerodynamics engineer, you’ll work on an agile team grounded in first principles to push the boundaries of the state-of-the-art.
10 Week Project Scope & Description:
- Aid in the design and development of new aircraft configurations to meet mission performance objectives
- Help analyze aerodynamic performance across a large array of air vehicle designs via CAD, low fidelity tools, CFD, ground test, wind tunnel test, and flight test experiments
- Assist in generating structural loads including lift and drag distributions for wings, propellers, control surfaces and other aerodynamic surfaces
- Collaborate with and present findings to other internal functional teams and program-based teams
- Develop and operate vehicle performance tools
Required qualifications:
- You are an undergraduate, graduate or PhD student expected to graduate in December 2025 or Spring 2026.
- Pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering or related STEM field.
- Strong understanding of fundamental engineering concepts, including EE, Mech E, Programming, Physics, and Mathematics.
- Solid understanding of aerodynamic fundamentals, CFD techniques, wind tunnel testing, and flight testing
- Experience working on multidisciplinary hardware development projects, which can be from an internship, job, club, team, personal project, etc.
- Great written and verbal communication.
- Demonstrated history of showing ownership of project outcomes and delivering exceptional results.
- Record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with aerodynamic tools and techniques, e.g. vortex-lattice, panel-method, etc.
- Experience with Pointwise, Tecplot, commercial, and government CFD solvers
- Experience with aeroacoustics analysis
- Experience with airfoil design
- Experience with wind tunnel testing
- Experience with aeroelasticity and flutter analysis
Intern Program Dates:
June 2nd - Aug 8th
OR
June 23rd - Aug 29th
#intern
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 based positions (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.
Top Skills
What We Do
Shield AI is building the world's best AI pilot. Our Hivemind autonomy stack is the first and only autonomous AI Pilot, deployed in combat since 2018. Hivemind enables intelligent teams of aircraft to perform missions ranging from room clearance, to penetrating air defense systems, and dogfighting F-16s.
Why Work With Us
What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy, and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges, we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software, AI, and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.
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