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Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company developing autonomous aircraft and intelligent systems for military and civilian applications. The company produces Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft platforms, and Aechelon simulation technologies, with operations across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
In this Staff Engineer role, you will own the complete mechanical design lifecycle for complex electro-mechanical and hydro-mechanical systems on autonomous aircraft platforms. Your responsibilities include concept development, CAD design, structural and kinematic analysis, tolerance stack-ups, material selection, and engineering drawing release. You will perform preliminary FEA, prototype and test mechanism designs for functionality and reliability, and iterate designs based on test results.
You will collaborate across electrical, avionics, hydraulics, flight controls, and propulsion teams to integrate mechanisms into larger systems. A key aspect of this role is mentoring junior engineers, setting technical direction, and promoting technical excellence across the mechanical systems team. You will also support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing activities.
This is a full-time regular employee position offering competitive pay within a range, bonus, benefits, and equity participation.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
- 10+ years of professional experience in mechanical or mechanism design
- Strong CAD skills (NX preferred)
- Proficiency in kinematic analysis and optimization
- Structural analysis using hand calculations and finite element methods
- FEA expertise: modal, non-linear and linear, buckling, and fatigue analysis
- GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis for mechanical systems
- Materials selection knowledge including alloys, heat treatments, allowables, and finishes
- Ability to work independently and effectively in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
- Demonstrated track record of hard work, trustworthiness, high standards, and collaborative attitude
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with UAVs, aircraft, or robotic systems
- Familiarity with electro-mechanical actuators
- Proficiency in FMEA, DOE, and root cause analysis
- Hands-on machine shop or mechanic experience (professional or hobby)
- RTCA DO-160, MIL-STD-810, structural, or actuated mechanism testing experience
- Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments
