Be an Early Applicant
Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the 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.
Job Description:
Shield AI is pioneering AI pilots for aircraft that protect service members and civilians—pushing the boundaries of autonomous flight. Our next-generation UAS is designed for deployment in the most demanding, high-stakes environments.
We are looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support the design and integration of launch and recovery systems for our UAS platform. These systems enable safe, repeatable, and ruggedized field operations, supporting aircraft deployment and retrieval in operationally complex environments.
This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy hands-on development, mechanism design, and field hardware, and are looking to grow technical ownership within a fast-paced aerospace environment.
What you'll do:
- Contribute to the design and development of mechanical subsystems for launch and recovery, including actuation mechanisms, hydraulic elements, and structural assemblies.
- Create detailed CAD models, mechanical drawings, and documentation for prototype and production builds.
- Perform mechanical and structural analyses to validate subsystem performance.
- Support integration of launch and recovery systems with avionics, flight operations, and manufacturing teams.
- Participate in design reviews and support trade studies evaluating performance, durability, and cost.
- Assist in hands-on prototyping, assembly, and testing of hardware.
- Support environmental and dynamic testing efforts.
- Provide on-site support during lab and field validation activities.
Required qualifications:
- 4–5+ years of experience in mechanical design within aerospace, ground systems, or heavy industrial environments.
- Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar).
- Working knowledge of structural analysis, material selection, and manufacturing processes.
- Experience supporting deployable or ruggedized hardware development.
- Familiarity with FEA and mechanical validation methods.
- Ability to execute independently while collaborating cross-functionally.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with UAS or aircraft support equipment.
- Exposure to MIL-STD design requirements.
- Experience supporting environmental or vibration testing.
- Experience working with suppliers and fabrication shops.
- Eligible for U.S. Secret Clearance.
#LI-MS
#LC
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
What the Team is Saying
Dylan
Lead Engineer, Planning and Controls-Motion
Mo
Lead Engineer, Platform Automation
Willy
Technical Director
Michael
Engineering Manager - State Estimation
Vibhav
Senior Staff Engineer
Kirby
Mechanical Engineer
Ryan
CEO
Evan
Senior Machine Learning Engineer
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials describe excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside a mental‑health EAP. Site perks such as an onsite gym in DC and a gym discount in San Diego support a health‑focused offering.
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Retirement Support — Careers materials highlight a 401(k) with company match as part of the standard package. A Total Rewards overview emphasizes retirement features within a broader, transparent compensation view.
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Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Compensation for in‑demand technical and senior go‑to‑market roles is described as competitive, with visible engineering ranges and top‑end packages. This points to meaningful upside tied to role, level, and scarce skills.
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The Company
What We Do
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
Why Work With Us
What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy, and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges, we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software, AI, and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.
Gallery
Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Typical time on-site:
3 days a week
