Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit
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Job Description:
Help bring advanced aerospace systems to life through hands-on mechanical design and real-world problem solving. In this role, you’ll contribute to the development and integration of complex hardware from concept through production, working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, high-performance systems. In a fast-paced environment, you’ll turn ideas into tangible solutions, support testing and field operations, and play a key role in building mission-ready technology
What you'll do:
Directly contribute to the design, analysis, and integration of mechanical systems and subsystems for V-BAT aircraft and ground support equipment, including payload integrations, avionics packaging, harnessing and connector selection, transport structures, and launch & recovery systems.
Own mechanical engineering deliverables across the product lifecycle—from early concept and prototyping through test, production, and field support—with a bias toward execution and delivery.
Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Program Management, and Flight Operations to ensure designs are buildable, testable, and reliable in real-world environments.
Provide hands-on technical support during ground and flight testing, demos, and field operations; rapidly troubleshoot and implement design fixes under tight timelines.
Required qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field from an accredited institution.
2-3 years of hands-on mechanical design experience in aerospace, ground support equipment, or related ruggedized hardware systems.
Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, or similar) with demonstrated ability to create detailed drawings, assemblies, and GD&T-compliant documentation
Strong foundation in structural design, material selection, and manufacturing processes.
Experience performing engineering calculations (stress, thermal, tolerance stack-up, fatigue, FEA as applicable) to validate design integrity
Cross-functional collaboration experience with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management.
Preferred qualifications:
Root cause analysis and structured problem-solving capability to resolve mechanical failures.
Familiarity with industry standards (ASME, ISO, ASTM, or industry-specific regulatory requirements).
Familiarity with MIL-STD requirements and environmental qualification testing.
Familiarity to power distribution, hydraulics, or aerospace support systems.
Experience working with external suppliers or contract manufacturers.