Mechanical Engineering Design Tech I

Job Description 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.Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description: Are you a passionate and innovative product design engineer looking to help develop state-of-the-art AI and aircraft products? As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will be responsible for contributing to the design and development of Shield AI's autonomous UAV products. You will help architect new products, support 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 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 mechanical engineer who thrives in fast-paced, high-ownership environments and is passionate about building systems that matter.

Support the design of complex structures for the autonomous aircraft launch and recovery system

Support the full design process: concept, CAD, tolerance analysis, material selection, and drawing release

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.

S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

• 2+ years in mechanical or mechanism design for ground vehicles
• Strong CAD skills (NX preferred)
• Structural analysis utilizing hand calculations and finite element methods
• Understanding of GD&T and tolerance stack-ups for mechanical systems
• Materials selection inclusive of alloys, heat treatments, allowables, and finishes
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Experience with UAVs, aircraft, or robotic systems

Kinematic analysis and optimization

Familiarity with electro-mechanical actuators

FEA analysis: 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

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)

Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. 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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.