Shield AI

Staff Engineer, Tool Design (R4967)

Shield AI$150K — $230K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years in tooling design, mechanical design, or manufacturing engineering.
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, Mechatronics, or related field.
  • Experience with prototype manufacturing in a fast-paced, startup environment.
  • Strong grasp of manufacturing processes like machining, composites, and avionics.
  • Ability to thrive in high-pressure environments with shifting priorities.

Responsibilities

  • Translate GD&T and key characteristics into tooling requirements.
  • Design various assembly and fabricating tools using software like CATIA/NX/SolidWorks.
  • Perform FEA and calculations for design confirmation.
  • Create comprehensive Tool Design Packages with necessary documentation.
  • Lead design reviews and human-factors evaluations with cross-functional teams.
  • Manage tool fabrication and resolution of NCR/ECR issues.
  • Support manufacturing activities including validation and dimensional checks.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary within the listed range.
  • Bonus opportunities based on performance.
  • Comprehensive employee benefits package.
  • Equity options for long-term financial investment.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

The Senior Tool Design Engineer brings 7+ years of experience developing production tooling for complex aerospace systems. This role owns tooling throughout its lifecycle (concept, design, analysis, release, fabrication, and prove-out) ensuring safe, repeatable, first-time-right assembly. You will work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, and Safety to deliver robust tooling that supports pilot builds through rate production.

What you'll do:

  • Translate GD&T, key characteristics, and CTQs into tooling requirements (datums, locators, clamps, tolerances, ergonomics, ESD/FOD controls).
  • Design assembly jigs, drill/bond fixtures, composites molds & trim fixtures, go/no-go gauges, lifting/handling carts, and protective tooling using CATIA/NX/SolidWorks.
  • Conduct FEA and hand calculations to confirm stiffness, clamp loads, safety factors, and ergonomics.
  • Generate complete Tool Design Packages including 3D models, 2D drawings with GD&T, BOM, torque/fastener specs, materials/finishes, lifting points, and safety labeling.
  • Lead design reviews with ME, Quality, Safety, and Launch teams; perform human-factors evaluations.
  • Manage tool fabrication , oversee NCR/ECR resolution, and support shop-floor prove-out.
  • Develop Tool Setup & Care Instructions, PM plans, and inspection checklists.
  • Support First Article activities including CMM/laser-tracker alignment, gage strategy, and dimensional validation.

Tools & Skills
  • CATIA / NX / SolidWorks, 3DEXPERIENCE / Teamcenter, FEA tools, GD&T, metrology fundamentals, supplier manufacturing processes.


Required qualifications:

  • 7+ years of experience in tooling design, mechanical design, or manufacturing engineering.
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, Mechatronics, or related engineering field.
  • Experience in prototype manufacturing in a startup or rapid-growth environment.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including machining, composites, avionics and/or assembly.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and adapt to changing priorities


Preferred qualifications:

  • Knowledge of quality standards, such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.
  • Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing or automation systems.
  • Strong project management skills, including experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines.


$150,000 - $230,000 a year

* Compensation for this role is based on the position's work location. The salary range shown reflects the listed location and may vary if the position is based in a different geographic market. Actual compensation will also consider factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity.

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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