Shield AI Verified
Defense, Aerospace, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics
Senior Staff Engineer, Mechanical Design (R4486)
Dallas, Texas, United StatesOnsiteFull TimeStaff$166,632–$249,948 /yrPosted 2 months agoVisa sponsorship availableHidden Gem · VC-Backed
Role summary
Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Engineer, Mechanical Design to contribute to the development of autonomous UAV products. This role involves architecting new products, detailed design of electro-mechanical assemblies, and utilizing advanced design and analysis tools. The engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams to prototype, test, and release products, ensuring performance and reliability goals are met. Responsibilities include designing complex mechanisms, performing structural and kinematic analysis, FEA, GD&T, material selection, and mentoring junior engineers. The ideal candidate has a B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering with 8+ years of experience in mechanical or mechanism design, strong CAD skills (NX preferred), and experience with FEA and GD&T.
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the 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.
Job Description:
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 electro-mechanical assemblies, 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.
Design complex electro-mechanical mechanisms for autonomous aircraft
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, and propulsion teams
Mentor junior engineers and promote engineering excellence
Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing
B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
8+ 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 and lead in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
A demonstrated record of working hard, being trustworthy, holding yourself to high standards, and being kind to others
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, structural, or actuated mechanism testing experience
Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments