Engineer II, Mechanical Design (R4922)

This role is for a Mechanical Designer/Drafter Engineer contributing to the design and development of Shield AI's autonomous UAV products. You will architect new products, support detailed design of complex structural systems for the launch and recovery vehicle, and use best-in-class design and analysis tools. You will collaborate with internal and external partners to prototype, test, and release products to production, ensuring product features achieve performance, schedule, and reliability goals. You'll work across disciplines to ensure structural integrity, manufacturability, and mission-readiness in advanced autonomous aircraft platforms.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice to have

• 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

Benefits

• 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.