Description
Shield AI is pioneering the development of AI-powered autonomous aircraft for national defense, pushing the boundaries of aerospace innovation. Our next-generation UAS is a high-endurance unmanned system designed for deployment in complex, contested environments.
We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer I to support the design, development, and testing of flight hardware and mechanical test systems. In this entry-level role, you will work alongside experienced engineers to develop fixed and field-deployable solutions for hardware qualification, environmental testing, stress testing, and sustainment.
You will gain hands-on experience in mechanical design, structural analysis, and aerospace test systems while collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations teams.
Responsibilities
- Support the design, analysis, fabrication, and assembly of mechanical and structural systems.
- Create and revise CAD models, engineering drawings, and manufacturing specifications.
- Assist in designing structural and electromechanical test stands and fixtures for aeronautical components.
- Participate in prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, and design validation.
- Perform structural, thermal, and fatigue assessments with guidance from experienced engineers.
- Develop test procedures, document results, and communicate findings.
- Participate in design reviews and contribute ideas that improve reliability, manufacturability, and testability.
- Support coordination with manufacturing teams and suppliers during fabrication and assembly.
- Apply engineering fundamentals to hands-on technical problems in laboratory, shop, and field environments.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related STEM field.
- 0–2 years of relevant experience; internships, co-ops, research, and substantial academic projects may count toward this requirement.
- Foundational knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, physics, and mathematics.
- Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar.
- Familiarity with engineering drawings, material selection, structural analysis, and common manufacturing processes.
- Hands-on experience building, testing, or troubleshooting mechanical systems.
- Ability to organize technical work, document results, and communicate effectively.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced development environment with evolving priorities.
- Record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself to high standards, and being kind to others.
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship, co-op, research, or project experience in aerospace, robotics, automotive, test engineering, or a related field.
- Familiarity with finite element analysis, thermal analysis, or fatigue and lifecycle testing.
- Experience designing or testing aerospace structures, test fixtures, or ground support equipment.
- Experience using machine-shop tools or rapid-prototyping methods.
- Exposure to instrumentation, sensors, data-acquisition systems, or electromechanical systems.
- Familiarity with hydraulics, nondestructive evaluation or testing, or aerospace testing practices.
Benefits
- Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity