Senior Staff Engineer, Mechanisms · Shield AI

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:14:03 GMT
Engineering

Shield AI · United States · $160,000-$240,000 per year · onsite

Are you a passionate and innovative product design engineer looking to help develop state-of-the-art AI and aircraft products? 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.

Responsibilities:

Design complex 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

Required qualifications:

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

Preferred qualifications:

Experience with UAVs, aircraft, or robotic systems

Familiarity with hydraulic and 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