Engineer II, Mechanical Design (R4922)
About the role
Shield AI is seeking a passionate and innovative Mechanical Designer/Drafter Engineer to contribute to the design and development of its autonomous UAV products. As a Mechanical Designer/Drafter Engineer, you will be responsible for contributing to the design and development of Shield AI's autonomous UAV products, including architecting new products, supporting the detailed design of complex structural systems, and collaborating with internal and external partners to prototype, test, and release products to production.
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
Preferred Qualifications
- 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
Pay
The salary range for this position is $88,075 - $132,113 per year, with pay influenced by factors including skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. The offer package includes pay within the listed range, bonus, benefits, and equity for full-time regular employees.
Schedule
This is a full-time position, with temporary employee offer packages available that include pay within the listed range and temporary benefits after 60 days of employment.
Benefits
The company offers a range of benefits, including bonus, benefits, and equity for full-time regular employees, as well as a temporary benefits package for temporary employees after 60 days of employment.