Senior Structural Mechanism Engineer – UAV Launch Systems

Shield; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 137,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to help develop state-of-the-art autonomous UAV products. You will design launch/recovery structures and lead the full design process from concept through drawing release, with structural/kinematic analyses and preliminary FEA.

You will collaborate across disciplines to ensure manufacturability, mission readiness, and producibility, while meeting performance and schedule goals. A strong CAD background and experience with FEA are required.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering required.
• 7+ years in mechanical or mechanism design for ground vehicles.
• Strong CAD skills; NX preferred.
• Kinematic analysis and optimization.
• Structural analysis using hand calculations and FEM.
• FEA: Modal, non-linear, buckling, fatigue.
• GD&T and tolerance stack-ups for mechanical systems.
• Materials selection incl. alloys, heat treatments, finishes.
• Ability to work independently in fast-paced, cross-functional teams.
• Reliability and integrity record.
• Security clearance eligibility 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 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

Kinematic analysis

Structural analysis

GD&T and tolerances

Materials selection

Independent work

Security clearance eligibility

Education

B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX CAD

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to help develop state-of-the-art autonomous UAV products. You will design launch/recovery structures and lead the full design process from concept through drawing release, with structural/kinematic analyses and preliminary FEA.

You will collaborate across disciplines to ensure manufacturability, mission readiness, and producibility, while meeting performance and schedule goals. A strong CAD background and experience with FEA are required.