Senior Staff Engineer, Structures - Launch Recovery Vehicle (R4765)

The role

You will lead the design, development and testing of a launch and recovery system for a next-generation unmanned aircraft. The work covers mechanical design, structural analysis and field-deployable aerospace ground support equipment.

What you will do

• Design mechanical systems for a launch and recovery system, including power units, transport structures and maintenance tools
• Create detailed CAD models, drawings and specifications for manufacturing and assembly
• Conduct structural, thermal and fatigue analysis for field environments
• Work with teams to integrate the launcher with aircraft systems and mission operations
• Run trade studies to improve portability, ruggedness and maintainability
• Oversee prototyping, testing and validation against military and aviation standards
• Write technical documentation, test procedures and support manuals
• Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners on cost-effective production
• Support flight test campaigns with engineering for ground and test operations

Required qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design for aerospace, ground support equipment or heavy industrial systems
• Expertise in CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, NX or similar
• Strong background in structural analysis, material selection and manufacturing processes for ruggedized systems
• Experience designing deployable, transportable and field-ready aerospace support equipment
• Knowledge of MIL-STD design requirements for aerospace systems
• Experience with finite element analysis, thermal analysis and fatigue/lifecycle testing
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile environment with evolving priorities

Nice to have

• Experience designing UAS or military aircraft ground support equipment
• Knowledge of power distribution, hydraulics and environmental control systems for aerospace
• Experience with DoD acquisition, sustainment and field deployment strategies
• Prior experience supporting military aircraft maintenance and sustainment operations
• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance, or ability to obtain one

Benefits

• Bonus
• Benefits
• Equity

Before you apply

• Ability to obtain an S//SAR level security clearance is desired
• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.