| Description | Founded in 2015 Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT aircraft Hivemind Enterprise and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices in San Diego Dallas Washington D.C. Boston Abu Dhabi (UAE) Kyiv (Ukraine) and Melbourne (Australia) Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedInX YouTubeand Instagram. Job Description: Shield AI is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer with deep expertise in mechanism design to support the development of our next-generation autonomous UAV platform. In this high-ownership role you will lead the architecture design and development of precision mechanical systems and actuation mechanisms that are critical to mission success.You will work closely with cross-functional teams to create rugged lightweight and manufacturable mechanisms-ranging from landing gear to deployable payload systems-while delivering high performance in dynamic and harsh environments. This is an opportunity to design at the edge of innovation and autonomy with real-world impact. ➡ What you'll do: ➡ Design complex electro-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 10+ 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 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 structural or actuated mechanism testing experience Ability to thrive in startup R&D or defense innovation environments ➡ #LI-JW2#LFFull-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. ###Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race color ancestry religion sex national origin sexual orientation age marital status disability gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation please let us know. |