Senior Engineer, Mechanisms - Catapult (R4939) - Shield AI

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

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 Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for contributing to the mechanical design and development of Shield AI's autonomous UAV products. You will help architect new products, perform the detailed design of complex electro-mechanical assemblies, 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.

Design complex electro-mechanical mechanisms for autonomous aircraft launch and recovery systems

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 test teams

Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing

B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

5+ 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

Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

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)

MIL-STD-810, structural, or actuated mechanism testing experience

Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments