Senior Manager, Avionics Mechanical Engineering (R4416)

Shield AI; San Diego (TX); On-site; USD 185,234 - 277,850; Full time

Job summary

A deep-tech company is looking for a Senior Manager in Mechanical Engineering to lead a team in developing mechanical systems for next-generation UAVs. The position requires over 10 years of experience in aerospace design, proficiency in CAD tools like SolidWorks, and strong leadership qualities. The role’s responsibilities include guiding engineers, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and collaborating across multiple engineering teams. Competitive salary between $185,234 and $277,850, along with benefits, equity, and a bonus structure.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace equipment design.
• Experience with harness integration and mechanical component design.
• Experience working directly with fabrication shops and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team designing complex electro-mechanical solutions.
• Drive structural, thermal, and modal analyses for systems.
• Work cross-functionally with various engineering teams.

Skills

Experience in mechanical & electrical equipment design for aerospace

Expertise in CAD software (NX, SolidWorks, CATIA)

Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile environment

Strong teamwork and communication skills

Education

B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Finite element analysis (FEA)

Thermal analysis tools

eCAD software (Altium, Cadence, Allegro)

Job description

Join to apply for the Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering role at Shield AI.

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture‑backed deep‑tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V‑BAT and X‑BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the 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

Shield AI is seeking an engineering manager of Mechanical Design to support the development of our next‑generation autonomous UAV platform. In this high‑ownership, high‑visibility role you will lead a team of engineers developing mechanical systems to support Shield AI’s next‑generation aircraft program(s). You will work with the director of engineering in a deputy capacity to support collaboration across engineering sites, align technical leaders, create mentorship opportunities for junior engineers, and assist in leveling engineering resources across vehicles and programs. You will set the bar for excellence through technical demonstration, guidance, and mentorship.

What you’ll do

• Lead a team designing complex electro‑mechanical solutions for flight‑critical avionics systems, including packaging, electrical interconnects, thermal management, and integration of designs into the X‑BAT aircraft.
• Drive structural, thermal, and modal analyses for electromechanical systems to ensure survivability in harsh environments.
• Work cross‑functionally with electrical engineering, supply chain, supplier development engineering, manufacturing, and other mechanical engineering teams.
• Ensure avionics meet performance, safety, environmental, and EMI/EMC compliance standards on a long‑term path to airworthiness certification.
• Lead by example – own work from design, verification, through production.

Required qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical & electrical equipment design for aerospace, including harness integration and mechanical component design.
• Expertise in CAD software (NX, SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) for 3D modeling, drawing creation, and system layout. Familiarity with eCAD software (Altium, Cadence, Allegro), and harness design software (Capital, Zuken).
• Experience working with electrical engineers to define PCB constraints, develop circuit cards, and care for all the mechanical interfaces.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA), thermal analysis, and fatigue/lifecycle testing.
• Experience working directly with fabrication shops, contract manufacturers, and suppliers.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, agile development environment with evolving priorities.
• A demonstrated record of working hard, being trustworthy, holding yourself to high standards, and being kind to others.

Compensation

$185,234 - $277,850 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.

Seniority Level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

• Full‑time

Job Function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Software Development

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.