Shield AI

Engineer II, Hydraulics (R4936)

Shield AI$95K — $115K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
  • 2+ years in mechanical design focused on fluid systems
  • Strong CAD skills with preference for NX
  • Experience in kinematic analysis and optimization
  • Proficiency in structural analysis including FEA and hand calculations
  • Knowledge of GD&T and tolerance stack-ups
  • Expertise in material selection strategies.

Responsibilities

  • Design complex hydraulic systems for UAV launch and recovery
  • Support the entire design process from concept to drawing release
  • Conduct structural calculations and preliminary finite element analysis
  • Prototype and test mechanism designs for reliability
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing and flight controls
  • Aid in pre-production builds and conduct ground/flight testing
  • Participate in design reviews and technical discussions for hydraulic systems.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance design processes and workflows.

Benefits

  • Bonus structure
  • Equity options
  • Comprehensive benefits package after 60 days
  • Opportunities for professional growth within a mission-driven team
  • Fast-paced, innovative work environment focused on AI and aviation technology.
Full Job Description
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 hydraulic systems 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.

What you'll do:
  • Design complex hydraulic fluid systems for autonomous aircraft launch and recovery systems
  • Support the full design process: concept, CAD, tolerance analysis, material selection, and drawing release
  • Perform structural 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
  • Participate in design reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making forums related to hydraulic 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
  • 2+ years in mechanical or mechanism design with a focus on fluid systems
  • 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

#LB

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.

About Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company that develops artificially intelligent systems for military applications. The company was founded in 2015 by Brandon Tseng, Ryan Tseng, and Andrew Reiter, and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Shield AI's products include autonomous drones and software that can be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other military operations. The company's mission is to reduce the number of military casualties by providing soldiers with better intelligence and situational awareness. Shield AI has received funding from a number of investors, including Andreessen Horowitz and Founders Fund.
Learn more about Shield AI
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
2015

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Shield AI

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Engineer II, Hydraulics (R4936) jobs: