Shield AI

Staff Engineer, Mechanical & Actuated Systems (R5293)

Shield AI$130K — $200K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
  • 7+ years of experience in mechanical or mechanism design
  • Strong CAD skills, preferably using NX
  • Experience in kinematic analysis and optimization
  • Proficiency in structural analysis using hand calculations and finite element methods
  • Expertise in FEA analysis including modal, non-linear, linear, buckling, and fatigue
  • Knowledge of GD&T and tolerance stack-ups for mechanical systems
  • Familiarity with materials selection including alloys and finishes
  • Proven ability to work independently in fast-paced, cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

  • Design complex electro-mechanical or hydro-mechanical mechanisms for autonomous aircraft
  • Own the full design process from concept to drawing release
  • Perform structural and kinematic calculations, including preliminary FEA
  • Prototype, test, and iterate mechanism designs for functionality and reliability
  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams including electrical, avionics, and propulsion
  • Support pre-production builds and integration, as well as ground/flight testing
  • Ensure product features meet performance, schedule, and reliability goals

Benefits

  • Bonus structure included
  • Equity opportunities offered
  • Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees
  • Temporary benefits package available after 60 days
  • Supportive work environment focused on mission-driven values
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 Staff Mechanical & Actuated Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for contributing to the mechanical design and development of Shield AI's autonomous UAV products. You will help architect mechanical and actuated systems on the X-BAT platform, perform the detailed design of complex mechanical assemblies such as uplocks, doors, flight controls, landing gear, and wing fold, 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 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


Required qualifications:

  • 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


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)
  • RTCA DO-160, MIL-STD-810, structural, or actuated mechanism testing experience
  • Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments


$130,000 - $200,000 a year

#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.

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 Staff Engineer, Mechanical & Actuated Systems (R5293) jobs: