Staff Engineer, Mechanical & Actuated Systems (R5293)

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.

Responsibilities

Design complex electro-mechanical or hydro-mechanical mechanisms for autonomous aircraft; Own the full design process: concept, CAD design, analysis, tolerance stack-ups, 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, hydraulics, flight controls, and propulsion teams; Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing

Requirements

B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering; 7+ years in mechanical or mechanism design; 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

Nice to have

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

Benefits

Bonus; Benefits; Equity; Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)