Senior Actuated Systems Engineer for UAV Flight Controls

Shield AI; Dallas, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 143,000 - 214,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Actuated Systems Engineer to own the mechanical design, layout, and integration of actuation systems for UAVs. You will drive buildable actuator installations, mature mechanism layouts, and oversee hardware design through release, test, and vehicle integration.

The role requires hands‑on engineering, problem solving, and the ability to operate in an accelerated aircraft development environment to deliver capability to operators quickly.

Qualifications

• Deep mastery of mechanical design, kinematics, load paths, and materials selection.
• GD&T and tolerance stack‑up methodologies are essential.
• Experience performing hand calculations and basic FEA for mechanisms and mounts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and mature system layouts and installation concepts for actuators and mounting hardware.
• Own CAD design from concept through drawing release, including load paths and tolerances.
• Size actuators, layout, and installation for flight control surfaces and airframe devices.
• Perform hand calculations and basic FEA to substantiate brackets and mounts.
• Define installation interfaces with structures, EWIS, EPS, and thermal management.

Skills

Mechanical design

Kinematics

GD&T

Tolerance stack‑up

Hand calculations

FEM/FEA

Project ownership

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

CATIA

Creo

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Actuated Systems Engineer to own the mechanical design, layout, and integration of actuation systems for UAVs. You will drive buildable actuator installations, mature mechanism layouts, and oversee hardware design through release, test, and vehicle integration.

The role requires hands‑on engineering, problem solving, and the ability to operate in an accelerated aircraft development environment to deliver capability to operators quickly.