Sr. Staff Mechanical Engineer - BlueSky (R5825)

The role

You will design and deliver mechanical systems for advanced aerospace platforms, from concept to real-world operation. You will own hardware development across the product lifecycle, working hands-on in CAD, analysis and testing.

What you will do

• Design, analyze and integrate mechanical systems and subsystems, including avionics packaging, harnessing and connector selection, and structures.
• Own mechanical engineering deliverables from early concept and prototyping through test, production and field support.
• Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Quality so designs are buildable, testable and reliable.
• Provide hands-on technical support during testing, demos and field operations.
• Rapidly troubleshoot and implement design fixes under tight timelines.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• 5-6 years of hands-on mechanical design experience in aerospace, ground support equipment or related ruggedized hardware systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA or similar), including detailed drawings, assemblies and GD&T-compliant documentation.
• Strong foundation in structural design, material selection and manufacturing processes.
• Experience performing engineering calculations (stress, thermal, tolerance stack-up, fatigue, FEA as applicable).
• Cross-functional collaboration experience with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain and Program Management.

Nice to have

• Root cause analysis and structured problem-solving to resolve mechanical failures.
• Familiarity with industry standards (ASME, ISO, ASTM or industry-specific regulatory requirements).
• Familiarity with MIL-STD requirements and environmental qualification testing.
• Familiarity with power distribution, hydraulics or aerospace support systems.
• Experience working with external suppliers or contract manufacturers.

Benefits

• Bonus (full-time regular employees).
• Benefits (full-time regular employees).
• Equity (full-time regular employees).
• Temporary benefits package, applicable after 60 days of employment (temporary employees).

Before you apply

• All offers are contingent on a cleared background check 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.