Design and develop complex structural systems for autonomous aircraft launch and recovery. Own concept-to-production CAD design, perform kinematic and structural analysis, prototype and test mechanisms, support integration and flight testing, and collaborate across disciplines to ensure manufacturability and reliability.
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Are you a passionate and innovative product design engineer looking to help develop state-of-the-art AI and aircraft products? Are you eager to make a positive difference in the world? Do you want to work alongside mission driven and values focused teammates? Shield AI is just the place for you!
As a Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for contributing to the mechanical design and development of Shield AI's autonomous UAV products. You will help architect new products, perform the detailed design of complex structural systems for the launch and recovery vehicle and will use best in class design and analysis tools. You will collaborate closely with internal and/or external partners to prototype, test and release products to production. You will also help ensure product features achieve performance, schedule and reliability goals.
You’ll work across disciplines to ensure structural integrity, manufacturability, and mission-readiness in one of the most advanced autonomous aircraft platforms being built today. This role is ideal for an experienced aerospace mechanical engineer who thrives in fast-paced, high-ownership environments and is passionate about building systems that matter.
What you'll do:
- Design complex structures for the autonomous aircraft launch and recovery system
- Own the full design process: concept, CAD, tolerance analysis, material selection, and drawing release
- Perform structural and kinematic calculations and preliminary FEA
- Prototype, test, and iterate mechanism designs for functionality and reliability
- Collaborate with electrical, avionics, flight controls, manufacturing, and test teams
- Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing on the pathway to production and field deployment
- Participate in design reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making forums related to structural systems.
- Identify opportunities to improve design processes, configuration management, and team workflows for increased engineering velocity and design quality.
Required qualifications:
- B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
- 7+ years in mechanical or mechanism design for ground vehicles
- Strong CAD skills (NX preferred)
- Kinematic analysis and optimization
- Structural analysis utilizing hand calculations and finite element methods
- FEA analysis: Modal, non-linear and linear, buckling, fatigue
- GD&T and tolerance stack-ups for mechanical systems
- Materials selection inclusive of alloys, heat treatments, allowables, and finishes
- Ability to work independently in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
- A demonstrated record of working hard, being trustworthy, holding yourself to high standards, and being kind to others
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
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)
- MIL-STD-810, structural, or actuated mechanism testing experience
- Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments
#LI-MS1
#LD
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
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. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
###
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.
Similar Jobs at Shield AI
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Leads the design, modeling, simulation, testing, validation, and integration of fluid and thermal systems for autonomous aircraft and ground platforms. The role applies first-principles engineering, develops system and custom models, manages suppliers, supports component sourcing, and mentors engineers. It requires deep expertise in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, thermal management, testing, CAD, and aerospace or defense system development.
Top Skills:
3D CadAmesimExcelMatlabMatlab SimscapePythonSiemens Nx
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Leads execution of an autonomous aircraft demonstration program across engineering, integration, flight test, manufacturing, and operations teams. Coordinates technical planning, subsystem integration, risk mitigation, readiness activities, technical reviews, testing, and executive reporting. Requires deep aerospace or unmanned systems experience and strong systems integration and program leadership skills.
Top Skills:
AerodynamicsAutonomy SoftwareAvionicsConfiguration ManagementFlight ControlsFlight TestingModel-Based Systems Engineering (Mbse)Requirements ManagementUnmanned Aircraft SystemsVehicle IntegrationVtol
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Supports system-level safety engineering for the X-BAT aircraft platform by deriving and validating safety requirements, conducting hazard analyses, maintaining hazard tracking systems, developing certification evidence, and verifying mitigations. Collaborates with systems engineering, cybersecurity, airworthiness, responsible engineers, and DoD representatives on safety documentation, design reviews, risk assessments, mishap investigations, and readiness reviews.
Top Skills:
Arp-4761CybersecurityFmeaFtaHazard Tracking SystemsMil-Std-882PhaRequirements ManagementSsaStanagStpa
What you need to know about the Seattle Tech Scene
Home to tech titans like Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle punches far above its weight in innovation. But its surrounding mountains, sprinkled with world-famous hiking trails and climbing routes, make the city a destination for outdoorsy types as well. Established as a logging town before shifting to shipbuilding and logistics, the Emerald City is now known for its contributions to aerospace, software, biotech and cloud computing. And its status as a thriving tech ecosystem is attracting out-of-town companies looking to establish new tech and engineering hubs.
Key Facts About Seattle Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 287,000; 13% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software, biotechnology, game development
- Funding Landscape: $3.1 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Madrona, Fuse, Tola, Maveron
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
