Senior Staff Engineer, Mechanical & Actuated Systems (R6307)

The role

This role designs complex electro-mechanical or hydro-mechanical mechanisms for autonomous aircraft. The engineer owns the full design process, from concept and CAD through analysis and drawing release, and supports prototype testing and mentors junior engineers.

What you will do

• Design complex electro-mechanical or hydro-mechanical mechanisms for autonomous aircraft
• Own the full design process: concept, CAD design, analysis, tolerance stackups, 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, hydraulics, flight controls, and propulsion teams
• Mentor junior engineers and help set technical direction and promote technical 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
• Kinematic analysis and optimization
• Structural analysis using 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 including 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

• 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, MIL-STD-810, structural, or actuated mechanism testing experience
• Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments
• NX CAD experience

Benefits

• Bonus
• Benefits
• Equity
• Temporary benefits package for temporary employees, applicable after 60 days of employment

Before you apply

• Offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits
• Salary depends on skill set, experience, licenses and certifications, and work location

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.