Senior Engineer, Mechanisms (R4890)

Shield AI

Location: United States   |   Full-Time

Senior Engineer, Mechanisms (R4890)

Location: United States

Team: X-BAT Engineering - Mechanical

Department: X-BAT Division

Commitment: Full Time Employee

Workplace Type: onsite

What you’ll do:

  • Design complex electro-mechanical mechanisms for autonomous aircraft
  • Own the full design process: concept, CAD, tolerance analysis, 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, flight controls, and propulsion teams
  • Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing

Required qualifications:

  • B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
  • 5+ years in mechanical or mechanism design
  • Strong CAD skills (NX preferred)
  • 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

Preferred qualifications:

  • 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

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.

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.

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.

Company Details

Shield AI

HQ: San Diego, California, US

Company Overview

Employees: ████████
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About

Shield AI is a venture-backed deep‑tech company founded in 2015 that is dedicated to protecting service members and civilians through intelligent autonomous systems. With a mission rooted in operational resilience, Shield AI has developed a suite of products that blend cutting‑edge robotics, AI, and cloud infrastructure. The V‑BAT aircraft is a small, electric, high‑altitude UAV that provides airborne data collection and support in contested environments. The Hivemind product family delivers ...
Post Date: May 12, 2026