Staff Actuated Systems Engineer - Aerospace

Shield AI; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI in Seattle is seeking a Staff (L4) Actuated Systems Engineer to own mechanical design, layout, and integration of actuation systems for UAV airframe mechanisms. You will drive from concept to release, ensuring robust load paths, GD&T, and tight integration with flight controls, bays, and structures.

The role requires hands-on engineering in an accelerated aircraft development environment, solving complex problems and delivering capable hardware on aggressive timelines.

Qualifications

• 5–12 years mechanical design experience in aerospace or regulated industry.
• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Strong GD&T and tolerance stack-up knowledge.
• Experience with hand calculations and basic FEA for mechanisms and mounts.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and drawing release (Siemens NX, CATIA, Creo).
• Actuated systems integration experience.
• Ability to self-direct and deliver hardware under tight timelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and mature actuator layouts and installation concepts for actuators and mechanisms within vehicle packaging constraints.
• Own detailed CAD design of actuated systems from concept through drawing release, including load paths and tolerances.
• Perform actuator sizing, kinematic layout, and installation analysis for flight control surfaces and airframe mechanisms.
• Conduct hand calculations and basic FEA to substantiate brackets and mounts.
• Define installation interfaces with structures, EWIS, EPS, and thermal management; address routing and maintainability.
• Produce and maintain CAD models, drawings, and interface definitions for SRR/PDR/CDR.
• Support component selection, supplier technical execution, and prototype testing.
• Define and execute qualification tests per MIL-STD-810 to mature design toward production.

Skills

Mechanical design

Kinematics

GD&T

Tolerance stack-up

Autonomy

Hands-on

Education

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

Tools

Siemens NX

CATIA

Creo

Job description

Shield AI in Seattle is seeking a Staff (L4) Actuated Systems Engineer to own mechanical design, layout, and integration of actuation systems for UAV airframe mechanisms. You will drive from concept to release, ensuring robust load paths, GD&T, and tight integration with flight controls, bays, and structures.

The role requires hands-on engineering in an accelerated aircraft development environment, solving complex problems and delivering capable hardware on aggressive timelines.