As a Staff Fluid and Mechanical Systems Engineer, you will be a hands-on multi-disciplinary owner of fluid-system layouts, thermal transport hardware, and adjacent mechanical design for a Group 5 UAV fighter aircraft.
Compensation
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Shield AI is seeking a Sr. Structural Analyst to support the analysis and testing of advanced UAVs, focusing on the structural integrity of lightweight, high-performance aircraft.
Compensation
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Responsibilities
Assist in building and refining finite element models (FEM) to evaluate the structural performance of UAV components.
Perform static, modal, fatigue, and vibration analyses to assess stress, deformation, and durability.
Conduct hand calculations to validate FEA results, ensuring accuracy and structural reliability.
Work with design engineers to optimize airframe structures, balancing weight, strength, and manufacturability.
Support the development of test plans for structural validation, including quasi-static, vibration, and shock testing.
Lead the aerostructures design organization for the X-BAT program, driving development of lightweight, manufacturable, survivable aircraft structures and building a high-performing engineering team.
Compensation
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Responsibilities
Lead the aerostructures design organization for the X-BAT program
Drive development of lightweight, manufacturable, survivable aircraft structures optimized for autonomous combat aircraft operations
Partner closely with flight sciences, propulsion, avionics, manufacturing, autonomy, flight test, and supply chain teams to deliver integrated aircraft solutions
Establish engineering processes, design standards, configuration management, and structural development roadmaps across the program lifecycle
Oversee development and validation of composite and metallic airframe structures, including primary load-bearing assemblies
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
Nice to have: Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline
Nice to have: Experience with autonomous aircraft, tactical aviation, unmanned systems, or defense aerospace platforms
Nice to have: Expertise in composite airframe manufacturing and high-rate production methodologies
Nice to have: Background supporting low observable, survivability, or expeditionary aircraft design considerations
Staff Engineer, Mechanical & Actuated Systems
f7d8749a-72d6-407c-bf98-292ea630c73a · Posted Aug 25, 2026
Lead the design, analysis, development, and testing of the Launch & Recovery Vehicle (LRV) for next-gen UAS, combining hands-on mechanical design with rigorous engineering analysis.
Compensation
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Responsibilities
Lead mechanical design and engineering analysis of the LRV, including primary structures, mechanisms, aircraft interfaces, transport restraints, and launch and recovery hardware.
Develop concepts, detailed CAD models, engineering drawings, and specifications for manufacturing and assembly.
Define load cases and boundary conditions for launch, recovery, transport, handling, and deployed operations in collaboration with aircraft and systems engineering teams.
Perform hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate stress, deflection, stability, joint integrity, and structural margins.
Conduct structural, thermal, dynamic, and fatigue analyses to assess LRV performance, durability, and reliability in field environments.
Lead the design, development, and testing of a novel launch and recovery system for Shield AI’s next‑generation UAS.
Compensation
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Responsibilities
Design and develop mechanical systems for a Launch and Recovery System, including power units, transport structures, launch & recovery functions, and maintenance tools.
Create detailed CAD models, drawings, and specifications for manufacturing and assembly.
Conduct structural, thermal, and fatigue analysis to ensure durability and reliability of launcher systems in field environments.
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate launcher with aircraft systems and mission operations.
Perform trade studies and system optimization to enhance portability, ruggedness, and maintainability of support systems.
