Mechanical Design Engineer, Autonomous UAV Systems

Shieldai; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to contribute to the design and development of autonomous UAV products. You will help architect new structures, support launch and recovery systems, and collaborate with electrical, avionics, flight controls, manufacturing, and test teams.

You’ll drive full design processes from concept to drawing release, perform tolerance analysis, and conduct structural calculations and preliminary FEA.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering required.
• 2+ years in mechanical or mechanism design for ground vehicles.
• Strong CAD skills (NX preferred).
• Structural analysis utilizing hand calculations and finite element methods.
• GD&T and tolerance stack-ups for mechanical systems.
• Materials selection incl. 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.

Responsibilities

• Support the design of complex structures for the autonomous aircraft launch and recovery system.
• Support 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, manufacturing, and test teams.
• Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing on the pathway to production and field deployment.
• Participate in design reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making forums related to structural systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve design processes, configuration management, and team workflows for increased engineering velocity and design quality.

Skills

CAD skills (NX preferred)

Structural analysis

GD&T

Materials selection

Kinematic analysis

FEA

FMEA & DOE

Hands-on machining

UAV/aircraft experience

Security clearance

Education

B.S. Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX

FEA

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to contribute to the design and development of autonomous UAV products. You will help architect new structures, support launch and recovery systems, and collaborate with electrical, avionics, flight controls, manufacturing, and test teams.

You’ll drive full design processes from concept to drawing release, perform tolerance analysis, and conduct structural calculations and preliminary FEA.