Full-Time

Director of Mechanical Engineering

Posted on 8/29/2024

Shield AI

Shield AI

501-1,000 employees

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

Compensation Overview

$203.5k - $305.2kAnnually

Expert

Dallas, TX, USA

Position requires onsite presence in the Dallas metro area.

Category
Mechanical Maintenance and Reliability Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field
  • 15+ years of experience in mechanical engineering
  • At least 5 years in a leadership role
  • Experience in the aerospace or unmanned aircraft industry is highly desirable
  • Proven experience leading and managing engineering teams
  • Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
  • A demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others
  • Demonstrated track record of assuming ownership over development processes and features and delivering outstanding outcomes
  • Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed client expectations in a fast-paced environment
Responsibilities
  • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of mechanical engineers
  • Oversee the design, development, and testing of mechanical systems for autonomous unmanned aircraft
  • Ensure designs meet performance, safety, and reliability standards
  • Develop design and release to manufacturing processes that simultaneously minimize time-to-market and ensure quality
  • Develop internal analysis capabilities and deploy processes for integration into the design process
  • Implement and oversee rigorous testing and validation processes to ensure high-quality and reliable mechanical systems
  • Manage relationships with external vendors and suppliers during development
  • Ensure quality and performance standards are met for outsourced components and systems
  • Other duties as assigned
Desired Qualifications
  • Master’s degree or higher preferred

Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems specifically for the defense industry. The company develops advanced AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communication may not be available. This technology allows for safer and more efficient defense operations. Shield AI differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on high-demand solutions that enhance operational capabilities and safety, and by securing significant contracts with government and military clients, such as the multi-billion dollar EWAAC contract. The company's goal is to protect lives through its innovative technologies and to continue expanding its influence in the defense technology market.

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

Late Stage VC

Total Funding

$1.2B

Headquarters

San Diego, California

Founded

2015

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • $240 million funding round boosts Shield AI's growth and innovation potential.
  • Collaboration with L3Harris enhances electronic warfare capabilities and market reach.
  • Expansion of Hivemind Enterprise opens new partnerships and revenue streams.

What critics are saying

  • Increased competition from companies like Rantizo challenges Shield AI's market position.
  • Reliance on government contracts exposes Shield AI to defense spending changes.
  • International expansion may face geopolitical risks and regulatory hurdles.

What makes Shield AI unique

  • Hivemind is the first autonomous AI Pilot deployed in combat since 2018.
  • Shield AI's V-BAT is Japan's first maritime ISR platform, enhancing defense capabilities.
  • Strategic acquisitions like Martin UAV strengthen Shield AI's position in autonomous systems.

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Benefits

Medical Insurance Coverage

Long Term Disability Insurance

Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA

Employee Assistance Program

Subsidized Gym Membership

Pet Insurance

Competitive Compensation

Retirement Services

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Bereavement Support

Flexible Work Hours

PTO

Paid Holidays

Commuter Benefits

Relaxed Dress Code

Yearly Swag Items

Unlimited Snacks

Bottomless Beverages

Annual Celebrations

Work From Home Benefits

Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

1%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
KED Global
Mar 7th, 2025
Hanwha Aerospace, L3Harris anchor Shield AI's $240 mn funding

Industrial observers say Shield AI's software could be integrated into Hanwha's future unmanned aircraft platforms.

Defense Daily
Mar 6th, 2025
Shield AI Raises $240 Million In New Round That Includes L3Harris

Shield AI on Thursday said it has raised $240 million in a new funding round to fuel growth of its autonomy software suite that it recently began offering to other companies, governments, and developers to build, test, and integrate autonomy into their robotic...

PR Newswire
Mar 6th, 2025
Shield AI raises $240M at $5.3B valuation to scale Hivemind Enterprise, an AI-powered autonomy developer platform

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Shield AI, the deep-tech company building state-of-the-art autonomy software products and defense aircraft, today announced it has completed a $240 million, F-1 strategic funding round, raising the company's valuation to $5.3 billion.

Shield AI
Mar 6th, 2025
Shield AI Raises $240M Funding Round

Shield AI announced a $240 million F-1 strategic funding round, raising its valuation to $5.3 billion. Major investors include L3Harris and Hanwha Aerospace, with existing investors like Andreessen Horowitz participating. The funds will expand the deployment of Hivemind Enterprise, an autonomy software suite for intelligent machines. Shield AI's technology supports U.S. and allied operations, with successful autonomy applications in various military aircraft and environments.

Simply Wall St
Feb 27th, 2025
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) Partners With Shield AI For Advanced Electronic Warfare Demonstration

L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) recently announced a collaboration with Shield AI to enhance electronic warfare capabilities, integrating their DiSCO system with AI technology.

INACTIVE