Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown a fighter jet (F-16), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (V-BAT), and a quadcopter (Nova). Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies. Backed by top-tier Silicon Valley VC funds, Shield AI has established itself as the leader in AI for aviation.  Shield AI has been named to Forbes’ AI 50 and Best Startups lists, CB Insights Top 100 AI Companies, and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies. The company has offices and facilities in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C. and Abu Dhabi.

Shield AI

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. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and 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 .

Help design and deliver the mechanical systems that power advanced aerospace blue-sky platforms from concept to real-world operation. In this role, you will own hardware development across the full product lifecycle—working hands-on in CAD, analysis, and testing—while collaborating with cross-functional teams to build reliable, high-performance systems. Operating in a fast-paced environment, you’ll turn complex challenges into practical solutions and play a key role in bringing mission-ready technology to life.

Directly contribute to the design, analysis, and integration of mechanical systems and subsystems, including avionics packaging, harnessing and connector selection, and structures.Own mechanical engineering deliverables across the product lifecycle - from early concept and prototyping through test, production, and field support - with a bias toward execution and delivery.Partner closely with Engineering functions, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality to ensure designs are buildable, testable, and reliable in real-world environments.Provide hands-on technical support during testing, demos, and field operations; rapidly troubleshoot and implement design fixes under tight timelines.

Required qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or closely related field from an accredited institution. 5-6 years of hands-on mechanical design experience in aerospace, ground support equipment, or related ruggedized hardware systems.Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, or similar) with demonstrated ability to create detailed drawings, assemblies, and GD&T-compliant documentationStrong foundation in structural design, material selection, and manufacturing processes.Experience performing engineering calculations (stress, thermal, tolerance stack-up, fatigue, FEA as applicable) to validate design integrityCross-functional collaboration experience with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management. 

Preferred qualifications:

Root cause analysis and structured problem-solving capability to resolve mechanical failures. Familiarity with industry standards (ASME, ISO, ASTM, or industry-specific regulatory requirements). Familiarity with MIL-STD requirements and environmental qualification testing.Familiarity to power distribution, hydraulics, or aerospace support systems.Experience working with external suppliers or contract manufacturers.

$240,000 - $350,000 a year

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.



Sr. Staff Mechanical Engineer - BlueSky (R5825)

What the job involves