Senior Mechanical Engineer — UAV Structural & Launch

Shieldai; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Bonus

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the mechanical design of autonomous UAV products. You will own the full design process for launch and recovery systems, from concept through CAD, analysis, and drawing release, working with cross-functional teams across hardware and software.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in aerospace/mechanical design, strong NX CAD skills, FEA experience, and a track record of building reliable mechanisms.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering.
• 7+ years in mechanical or mechanism design for ground vehicles.
• Strong CAD skills (NX preferred).
• Kinematic analysis and optimization.
• Structural analysis utilizing hand calculations and finite element methods.
• FEA analysis: Modal, non-linear and linear, buckling, fatigue.
• GD&T and tolerance stack-ups for mechanical systems.
• Materials selection inclusive of 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

• Design complex structures for the autonomous aircraft launch and recovery system.
• Own 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 toward 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 NX

Kinematic analysis

Structural analysis

FEM / FEA

GD&T

Materials selection

Autonomous aircraft

Team collaboration

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the mechanical design of autonomous UAV products. You will own the full design process for launch and recovery systems, from concept through CAD, analysis, and drawing release, working with cross-functional teams across hardware and software.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in aerospace/mechanical design, strong NX CAD skills, FEA experience, and a track record of building reliable mechanisms.