Role details
Job description
Job Description:
Are you a passionate and innovative product design engineer looking to help develop state-of-the-art AI and aircraft products? Are you eager to make a positive difference in the world? Do you want to work alongside mission driven and values focused teammates? Shield AI is just the place for you!
As a Mechanical Designer/Drafter Engineer, you will be responsible for contributing to the design and development of Shield AI's autonomous UAV products. You will help architect new products, support the detailed design of complex structural systems for the launch and recovery vehicle and will use best in class design and analysis tools. You will collaborate closely with internal and/or external partners to prototype, test and release products to production. You will also help ensure product features achieve performance, schedule and reliability goals.
You’ll work across disciplines to ensure structural integrity, manufacturability, and mission-readiness in one of the most advanced autonomous aircraft platforms being built today. This role is ideal for an mechanical engineer who thrives in fast-paced, high-ownership environments and is passionate about building systems that matter.
What you'll do
- Support the design of complex structures for the autonomous aircraft launch and recovery system
- Support 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, manufacturing, and test teams
- Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing on the pathway to production and field deployment
- Participate in design reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making forums related to structural systems.
- Identify opportunities to improve design processes, configuration management, and team workflows for increased engineering velocity and design quality.
Required qualifications
- B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
- 2+ years in mechanical or mechanism design for ground vehicles
- Strong CAD skills (NX preferred)
- Structural analysis utilizing hand calculations and finite element methods
- Understanding of 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
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with UAVs, aircraft, or robotic systems
- Kinematic analysis and optimization
- Familiarity with electro-mechanical actuators
- FEA analysis: Modal, non-linear and linear, buckling, fatigue
- 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
Role context
This Engineer II, Mechanical Design (R4922) role at Shield AI sits in the engineering track within defense and autonomy. The position is tied to Seattle, Washington, United States and is posted earlier in the current hiring cycle, which signals active hiring intent rather than archived demand. Compensation is not disclosed in the source listing, so candidates should verify range details directly with the employer. Combined with the live company and role links on this page, this listing gives candidates a direct path to compare equivalent openings by employer, market, and role focus.
Ready for the next step?
Apply directly with Shield Ai
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Location
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Seattle, Washington, United States
Location
Seattle, Washington, United States
Approximate role location based on the employer listing.
Seattle, Washington, United States
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