Description
Are you a passionate and innovative product design engineer looking to help develop state-of-the-art AI and aircraft products? Shield AI is just the place for you! As a Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for contributing to the mechanical design and development of Shield AI's autonomous UAV products.
You will help architect new products, perform the detailed design of complex electro-mechanical assemblies, 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.
Responsibilities:
- Design complex 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
- Mentor junior engineers and promote engineering excellence
- Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing
Required qualifications:
- B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
- 8+ 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 and lead in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with UAVs, aircraft, or robotic systems
- Familiarity with hydraulic and 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