Engineer II, Hydraulics (R4936)

Shield; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 88,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the mechanical design of autonomous UAVs, focusing on hydraulic systems, CAD, and integration with electrical and systems teams. You will prototype, test, and release mechanisms for reliability and performance, working with cross-functional partners in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has a B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace, 2+ years in mechanical design, strong NX CAD, and experience with FEA, GD&T, and materials selection.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with relevant coursework.
• 2+ years in mechanical or mechanism design with fluid systems focus.
• Strong CAD skills (NX preferred).
• Kinematic analysis and optimization.
• Structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA.
• Modal, non-linear and linear FEA including buckling and fatigue.
• GD&T and tolerance stack-ups for mechanical systems.
• Materials selection including alloys, heat treatments, and finishes.
• Ability to work independently in fast-paced, cross-functional teams.
• S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Responsibilities

• Design complex hydraulic fluid systems for autonomous aircraft launch and recovery.
• Support full design process: concept, CAD, tolerance analysis, material selection, drawing release.
• Perform structural calculations and preliminary FEA.
• Prototype, test, and iterate mechanism designs for functionality and reliability.
• Collaborate with electrical, avionics, flight controls, manufacturing, and test teams.
• Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing.
• Participate in design reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decisions for hydraulic systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve design processes, configuration management, and team workflows.

Skills

NX CAD

Kinematic analysis

FEA

GD&T

Materials selection

Independent work

Security clearance desired

Education

B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX CAD

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

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 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 hydraulic systems 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 hydraulic fluid systems for autonomous aircraft launch and recovery systems
• Support the full design process: concept, CAD, tolerance analysis, material selection, and drawing release
• Perform structural calculations and preliminary FEA
• Prototype, test, and iterate mechanism designs for functionality and reliability
• Collaborate with electrical, avionics, flight controls, manufacturing, and test teams
• Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing
• Participate in design reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making forums related to hydraulic systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve design processes, configuration management, and team workflows for increased engineering velocity and design quality

Required qualifications:

• B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
• 2+ years in mechanical or mechanism design with a focus on fluid systems
• 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
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

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

$88,075 - $132,113 a year

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.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed toequal 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.