Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Remote) - Shield AI

Job Title: Principal Mechanical Design Engineer (Remote)
Job Location: United States
Job Listing URL: https://jobs.lever.co/shieldai/c7dc7843-94bb-4cd9-8139-932130255626
Job Description: Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Boston, Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.

Job Description:
Shield AI is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer with deep expertise in mechanism design to support the development of our next-generation autonomous UAV platform. In this high-ownership role, you will lead the architecture, design, and development of precision mechanical systems and actuation mechanisms that are critical to mission success.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams to create rugged, lightweight, and manufacturable mechanisms-ranging from landing gear to deployable payload systems-while delivering high performance in dynamic and harsh environments. This is an opportunity to design at the edge of innovation and autonomy, with real-world impact.
What you'll do:
Design complex electro-mechanical mechanisms for autonomous aircraft
Own the full design process: concept, CAD, tolerance analysis, 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, flight controls, and propulsion teams
Mentor junior engineers and promote engineering excellence
Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing
Required qualifications:
B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
10+ 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 and lead in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
A demonstrated record of working hard, being trustworthy, holding yourself to high standards, and being kind to others
Preferred qualifications:
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, structural, or actuated mechanism testing experience
Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments