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Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer to design and deliver mechanical systems for advanced aerospace platforms. You will own hardware development across the full product lifecycle—from concept through real-world operation—working hands-on in CAD, analysis, and testing while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Key responsibilities include:
- Direct contribution to the design, analysis, and integration of mechanical systems and subsystems, including avionics packaging, harnessing, connector selection, and structures
- Ownership of mechanical engineering deliverables across the product lifecycle: early concept, prototyping, test, production, and field support, with emphasis on execution and delivery
- Close partnership with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality to ensure designs are buildable, testable, and reliable in real-world environments
- Hands-on technical support during testing, demos, and field operations; rapid troubleshooting and design fixes under tight timelines
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field from an accredited institution
- 5–6 years of hands-on mechanical design experience in aerospace, ground support equipment, or related ruggedized hardware systems
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, or similar) with demonstrated ability to create detailed drawings, assemblies, and GD&T-compliant documentation
- Strong foundation in structural design, material selection, and manufacturing processes
- Experience performing engineering calculations (stress, thermal, tolerance stack-up, fatigue, FEA) to validate design integrity
- Cross-functional collaboration experience with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management
Preferred qualifications:
- Root cause analysis and structured problem-solving capability to resolve mechanical failures
- Familiarity with industry standards (ASME, ISO, ASTM, or industry-specific regulatory requirements)
- Familiarity with MIL-STD requirements and environmental qualification testing
- Experience with power distribution, hydraulics, or aerospace support systems
- Experience working with external suppliers or contract manufacturers
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems, including Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies. The company operates globally with offices across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
