Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering - Avionics (R4416)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Full benefits for regular employees

Job summary

Shield AI, based in San Diego, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in avionics. The ideal candidate will design mechanical systems for the X-BAT aircraft and collaborate across teams to deliver solutions. Candidates should possess a B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and have over 10 years of mechanical design experience.

The position offers competitive compensation ranging from $185,234 to $277,850 annually, along with bonuses and benefits. A commitment to high standards and team collaboration is essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design around electronics and electrical systems.
• Experience working with electrical engineers to develop avionics packaging.
• Strong background in working with fabrication shops and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Design and architect mechanical systems for X-BAT aircraft and ground vehicle.
• Establish leads and manage a growing engineering team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for product delivery.

Skills

Mechanical design around electronics

Strong experience in CAD software

Finite element analysis

Thermal analysis

Ability to obtain Secret clearance

Education

B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

CATIA

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.

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for the architecture and design for all parts of the mechanical system in the X‑BAT aircraft and ground vehicle, as they pertain to avionics.
• Inherited a small team and establish leads and sub‑managers while growing the team significantly in the immediate and long term.
• While you will not be expected to design as an individual contributor, you must have this experience in your past to establish what "right" looks like for your organization.
• Partner closely with electrical engineering, RF, PCB design, reliability, supply chain, structures, manufacturing and other disciplines to drive full‑scope product delivery.
• Your team will output complex electro‑mechanical solutions for flight‑critical avionics systems that withstand harsh environments.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design around electronics and electrical systems.
• Strong experience in CAD software (NX, SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) for 3D modeling, drawing creation, and system layout.
• Experience working with electrical engineers to develop avionics packaging.
• Experience with finite element analysis, 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.
• Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance.

Compensation

$185,234 - $277,850 a year.

Benefits

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.

Equal Opportunity

Shield AI is 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.