Staff Engineer, Mechanical (R4887)

The Rundown AI, Inc.; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

The Rundown AI, Inc. in Dallas, Texas is seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer to design and deliver advanced aerospace mechanical systems. You'll play a key role in hardware development across all product lifecycle stages, working closely with cross-functional teams and providing technical support during testing and operations.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with 5-6 years of relevant experience, particularly in aerospace design and proficiency in 3D CAD software like SolidWorks or NX.

Qualifications

• 5-6 years of hands-on mechanical design experience in aerospace.
• Experience performing engineering calculations for design validation.
• Strong foundation in structural design and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and integration of mechanical systems.
• Own mechanical engineering deliverables throughout the product lifecycle.
• Provide technical support during ground and flight testing.

Skills

Mechanical design experience in aerospace

Proficiency in 3D CAD software

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

CATIA

Job description

Job Description:

Help design and deliver the mechanical systems that power advanced aerospace platforms from concept to real‑world operation. In this role, you will own hardware development across the full product lifecycle—working hands‑on in CAD, analysis, and testing—while collaborating with cross‑functional teams to build reliable, high‑performance systems. Operating in a fast‑paced environment, you’ll turn complex challenges into practical solutions and play a key role in bringing mission‑ready technology to life.

What you'll do:

• Directly contribute to the design, analysis, and integration of mechanical systems and subsystems for V‑BAT aircraft and ground support equipment, including payload integrations, avionics packaging, harnessing and connector selection, transport structures, and launch & recovery systems.
• Own mechanical engineering deliverables across the product lifecycle—from early concept and prototyping through test, production, and field support—with a bias toward execution and delivery.
• Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Program Management, and Flight Operations to ensure designs are buildable, testable, and reliable in real‑world environments.
• Provide hands‑on technical support during ground and flight testing, demos, and field operations; rapidly troubleshoot and implement design fixes under tight timelines.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field from an accredited institution.
• 5-6 years of hands‑on mechanical design experience in aerospace, ground support equipment, or related ruggedized hardware systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, or similar) with demonstrated ability to create detailed drawings, assemblies, and GD&T‑compliant documentation.
• Strong foundation in structural design, material selection, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience performing engineering calculations (stress, thermal, tolerance stack‑up, fatigue, FEA as applicable) to validate design integrity.
• Cross‑functional collaboration experience with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management.

Preferred qualifications:

• Root cause analysis and structured problem‑solving capability to resolve mechanical failures.
• Familiarity with industry standards (ASME, ISO, ASTM, or industry‑specific regulatory requirements).
• Familiarity with MIL‑STD requirements and environmental qualification testing.
• Familiarity to power distribution, hydraulics, or aerospace support systems.
• Experience working with external suppliers or contract manufacturers.

Compensation and 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Shield AI is proud to be 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.