Senior Engineer, Mechanical Design - V-BAT (R4467)

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 the development of AI-powered autonomous aircraft for national defense, pushing the boundaries of aerospace innovation. The V-BAT is an unparalleled Group 3 unmanned system designed for deployment in complex, contested environments.

We are seeking a Senior Engineer, Mechanical Design to support the design, development, and testing of systems that expand and scale V-BAT’s operational capabilities. This role contributes to the creation of robust, field-deployable systems that enable aircraft operations, maintenance, and sustainment in military environments.

You will apply strong mechanical design fundamentals to develop reliable, manufacturable hardware while collaborating closely with engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations teams.

What you'll do::
• Design and develop mechanical systems and subsystems for V-BAT, including payload integrations, propulsion-related components, transport structures, and launch & recovery support equipment.
• Create detailed CAD models, drawings, and release packages for manufacturing and assembly.
• Perform structural, thermal, and fatigue analyses to validate performance in rugged field environments.
• Support integration efforts across aircraft systems and mission operations teams.
• Conduct trade studies to optimize weight, durability, manufacturability, and maintainability.
• Support prototype builds, testing, and validation efforts to meet aviation and military standards.
• Develop technical documentation including test plans, procedures, and field support materials.
• Partner with suppliers and manufacturing teams to ensure design intent, cost targets, and production readiness.
• Provide engineering support during ground and flight test operations as needed.

Required qualifications::
• 5 years of experience in mechanical design for aerospace, ground support equipment, or related ruggedized hardware systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar) for 3D modeling and drawing creation.
• Strong foundation in structural design, material selection, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience designing hardware for field, transport, or operational environments.
• Familiarity with engineering analysis methods such as FEA, thermal analysis, and fatigue evaluation.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced development environment with evolving priorities.

Preferred qualifications::
• Experience supporting UAS or military aircraft systems.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD requirements and environmental qualification testing.
• Exposure to power distribution, hydraulics, or aerospace support systems.
• Experience working with external suppliers or contract manufacturers.
• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance (or ability to obtain one).

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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.