Shield AI

Staff Engineer, Mechanical (R4887)

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field from an accredited institution.
  • 5-6 years of hands-on mechanical design experience in aerospace or ruggedized hardware systems.
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD software (such as SolidWorks, NX, CATIA) with capability in creating detailed technical documentation.
  • Strong foundation in structural design, material selection, and manufacturing processes.
  • Experience performing engineering calculations (stress, thermal, tolerance stack-up, fatigue analysis) to validate design integrity.
  • Cross-functional collaboration experience with Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management.

Responsibilities

  • Design, analyze, and integrate mechanical systems for V-BAT aircraft and ground support equipment.
  • Own mechanical engineering deliverables from concept to production and field support.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs are feasible and reliable for real-world applications.
  • Provide technical support during testing, troubleshooting issues quickly and efficiently.
  • Ensure compliance with engineering standards and documentation throughout the product lifecycle.

Benefits

  • Bonus structure
  • Equity opportunities
  • Comprehensive health benefits
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development opportunities
Full Job Description
Job Description:

Help design and deliver the mechanical systems that power advanced aerospace platforms from concept to real-world operation. In this role, you will own hardware development across the full product lifecycle-working hands-on in CAD, analysis, and testing-while collaborating with cross-functional teams to build reliable, high-performance systems. Operating in a fast-paced environment, you'll turn complex challenges into practical solutions and play a key role in bringing mission-ready technology to life.

What you'll do:

  • Directly contribute to the design, analysis, and integration of mechanical systems and subsystems for V-BAT aircraft and ground support equipment, including payload integrations, avionics packaging, harnessing and connector selection, transport structures, and launch & recovery systems.
  • Own mechanical engineering deliverables across the product lifecycle-from early concept and prototyping through test, production, and field support-with a bias toward execution and delivery.
  • Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Program Management, and Flight Operations to ensure designs are buildable, testable, and reliable in real-world environments.
  • Provide hands-on technical support during ground and flight testing, demos, and field operations; rapidly troubleshoot and implement design fixes under tight timelines.


Required qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field from an accredited institution.
  • 5-6 years of hands-on mechanical design experience in aerospace, ground support equipment, or related ruggedized hardware systems.
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, or similar) with demonstrated ability to create detailed drawings, assemblies, and GD&T-compliant documentation
  • Strong foundation in structural design, material selection, and manufacturing processes.
  • Experience performing engineering calculations (stress, thermal, tolerance stack-up, fatigue, FEA as applicable) to validate design integrity
  • Cross-functional collaboration experience with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management.


Preferred qualifications:

  • Root cause analysis and structured problem-solving capability to resolve mechanical failures.
  • Familiarity with industry standards (ASME, ISO, ASTM, or industry-specific regulatory requirements).
  • Familiarity with MIL-STD requirements and environmental qualification testing.
  • Familiarity to power distribution, hydraulics, or aerospace support systems.
  • Experience working with external suppliers or contract manufacturers.


$130,000 - $200,000 a year

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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

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