Lead, Mechanisms Engineering for Autonomous Aircraft

Shield AI; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 330,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a Senior Manager, Mechanisms Engineering to lead design and development of high-performance mechanisms for next‑gen autonomous aircraft. You will guide a team from concept through production, owning mechanical deliverables and risk analysis while collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and field operations.

Responsibilities include establishing standards, executing rapid design iterations, and ensuring buildable, testable, and reliable solutions in real‑world environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design for aerospace, ground support equipment, or related ruggedized hardware systems.
• 3+ years in leadership/manger role leading a high performing team.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (NX preferred).
• Proficiency in developing drawing templates/standards and design/manufacturing specs.
• Familiarity with ASME/ISO/ASTM standards.
• Experience with engineering analysis methods (FEA, stress, thermal, fatigue).
• Ownership of 2–3 full product development cycles from concept to production sustainment.

Responsibilities

• Direct design, analysis, and integration of mechanical systems for X-BAT Launch and Recovery Vehicle.
• Establish and improve mechanical engineering standards and templates.
• Own deliverables across the product lifecycle from concept through production and field support.
• Lead FMEA and fault tree analysis to identify risks and inform design tradeoffs.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, PM, and Flight Operations.
• Provide hands-on technical support during ground and flight testing and field operations.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical design

NX CAD

GD&T

FEA

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical communication

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

M.S. degree preferred

Tools

NX CAD

ANSYS/Abaqus/NASTRAN

Job description

Shield AI seeks a Senior Manager, Mechanisms Engineering to lead design and development of high-performance mechanisms for next‑gen autonomous aircraft. You will guide a team from concept through production, owning mechanical deliverables and risk analysis while collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and field operations.

Responsibilities include establishing standards, executing rapid design iterations, and ensuring buildable, testable, and reliable solutions in real‑world environments.