Staff Engineer, Mechanical & Actuated Systems (R5293)

Shieldai; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Mechanical & Actuated Systems Engineer to lead the mechanical design of autonomous UAV products. You will architect mechanical and actuated systems for the X-BAT platform, detailing uplocks, doors, flight controls, landing gear, and wing fold, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to prototype, test, and release products to production.

The role requires strong CAD (NX), FEA experience, and a track record in mechanism design for aerospace or robotic systems,

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is required.

Responsibilities

• Design complex electro-mechanical or hydro-mechanical mechanisms for autonomous aircraft.
• Own the full design process: concept, CAD design, analysis, tolerance stack-ups, 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, hydraulics, flight controls, and propulsion teams.
• Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing.

Skills

CAD design

Kinematic analysis

Structural analysis

FMEA/DOE

Hands-on machining

GD&T

UAV/aircraft experience

Actuated mechanisms

Education

B.S. Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX

Job description

Job Description

Are you a passionate and innovative product design engineer looking to help develop state-of-the-art AI and aircraft products? Are you eager to make a positive difference in the world? Do you want to work alongside mission driven and values focused teammates? Shield AI is just the place for you!

As a Staff Mechanical & Actuated Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for contributing to the mechanical design and development of Shield AI's autonomous UAV products. You will help architect mechanical and actuated systems on the X-BAT platform, perform the detailed design of complex mechanical assemblies such as uplocks, doors, flight controls, landing gear, and wing fold, and will use best in class design and analysis tools. You will collaborate closely with internal and/or external partners to prototype, test and release products to production. You will also help ensure product features achieve performance, schedule and reliability goals.

Responsibilities

• Design complex electro-mechanical or hydro-mechanical mechanisms for autonomous aircraft
• Own the full design process: concept, CAD design, analysis, tolerance stack-ups, 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, hydraulics, flight controls, and propulsion teams
• Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
• 7+ years in mechanical or mechanism design
• 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
• Experience with UAVs, aircraft, or robotic systems
• Familiarity with electro-mechanical actuators
• Proficiency in FMEA, DOE, and root cause analysis
• Hands-on machine shop or mechanic experience (professional or hobby)
• RTCA DO-160, MIL-STD-810, structural, or actuated mechanism testing experience
• Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments

Compensation & 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. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

EEO Statement

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed toequal 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.