Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer
Shield AI
Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer
Shield AI
Builds autonomous aircraft for defense
We are seeking a highly motivated engineer to support the design, development, integration, and fielding of a next-generation autonomous aircraft system. This position requires a balance of technical rigor, rapid decision-making, and hands-on engineering to efficiently transition concepts into operational capability. The ideal candidate is comfortable solving complex problems, taking ownership, working within an accelerated aircraft development environment, and is motivated by getting meaningful capability into the hands of operators quickly.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
Design complex electro-mechanical solutions for avionics packaging, electrical interconnects, thermal management, and aircraft integration
Perform structural, preliminary thermal, and modal analyses for avionics to ensure survivability in harsh environments
Ensure avionics meet performance, safety, environmental, and EMI/EMC compliance standards, including DO-160, DO-254, DO-178C, MIL-STD-810, and MIL-STD-461
Own your design work from concept to reviews through system validation, failure analysis, and flight test readiness.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
B.S. and/or MS in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
10+ years of experience in mechanical & electrical equipment design for aerospace, including harness integration and mechanical component design
Expertise in CAD software (NX, SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) for 3D modeling, drawing creation, and system layout.
Familiarity with eCAD software (Altium, Cadence, Allegro), and harness design software (Capital, Zuken)
Experience working with electrical engineers to define PCB constraints, develop circuit cards, and care for all the mechanical interfaces
Familiarity with the PCB layout process and advanced manufacturing methods
Experience with finite element analysis (FEA), thermal analysis, and fatigue/lifecycle testing
Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile development environment with evolving priorities
Shield AI builds autonomous aircraft and flight software for military and allied defense customers, with a focus on operations where conventional remote control breaks down. Its Hivemind AI pilot handles decisions during a mission, while the V-BAT aircraft gathers intelligence and locates targets. Aircraft makers use its software tools to develop and test their own autonomy, and its Aechelon business supplies visual and sensor simulation for pilot training. The company earns money from aircraft sales, autonomy software and contracted engineering and operational services. Shield AI was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.
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