Engineer II, Hydraulics (R4936)

The role

You will contribute to the mechanical design and development of autonomous UAV products. This includes designing complex hydraulic fluid systems for aircraft launch and recovery systems.

What you will do

• Design complex hydraulic fluid systems for autonomous aircraft launch and recovery systems
• Support the full design process including concept, CAD, tolerance analysis, material selection, and drawing release
• Perform structural calculations and preliminary FEA
• Prototype, test, and iterate mechanism designs for functionality and reliability
• Collaborate with electrical, avionics, flight controls, manufacturing, and test teams
• Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing
• Participate in design reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making forums related to hydraulic systems
• Identify opportunities to improve design processes, configuration management, and team workflows

Required qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
• 2+ years in mechanical or mechanism design with a focus on fluid systems
• Strong CAD skills
• 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

Nice to have

• NX preferred
• 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

Benefits

• Bonus
• Benefits
• Equity

Before you apply

• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check

About the company

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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies.