Senior Staff Engineer, Mechanical & Actuated Systems (R6307)

Shield AI•Seattle, WA

3d•$200,000 - $310,000

About The Position

Shield AI is hiring a Senior Staff Mechanical & Actuated Systems Engineer to drive mechanical design and development for its autonomous UAV products, including the X-BAT platform. The role involves architecting mechanical and actuated systems and designing complex assemblies such as uplocks, doors, flight controls, landing gear, and wing-fold mechanisms, using design and analysis tools. The engineer will collaborate with internal and external partners to prototype, test, and release products to production, while helping ensure performance, schedule, and reliability goals are met. The position also supports pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground and flight testing. The engineer will mentor junior engineers and help set technical direction and promote technical excellence. The listed compensation range is $200,000–$310,000 per year. Full-time regular employees receive pay within the listed range, a bonus, benefits, and equity. All offers are contingent on a cleared background check and may require a reference check.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
At least 10 years of experience in mechanical or mechanism design.
Strong CAD skills; NX is preferred.
Kinematic analysis and optimization skills.
Structural analysis using hand calculations and finite element methods.
FEA experience with modal, nonlinear, linear, buckling, and fatigue analysis.
GD&T and tolerance stack-up experience for mechanical systems.
Materials selection knowledge, including alloys, heat treatments, allowables, and finishes.
Ability to work independently in fast-paced, cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated record of working hard, being trustworthy, maintaining high standards, and treating others kindly.

Nice To Haves

Experience with UAVs, aircraft, or robotic systems.
Familiarity with electro-mechanical actuators.
Proficiency in FMEA, DOE, and root cause analysis.
Hands-on machine shop or mechanic experience, professional or hobby.
Experience with RTCA DO-160, MIL-STD-810, structural testing, or actuated mechanism testing.
Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments.

Responsibilities

Design complex electro-mechanical or hydro-mechanical mechanisms for autonomous aircraft.
Own the full design process, including concept development, CAD design, analysis, tolerance stackups, material selection, and drawing release.
Perform structural and kinematic calculations and preliminary finite element analysis (FEA).
Prototype, test, and iterate mechanism designs for functionality and reliability.
Collaborate with electrical, avionics, hydraulics, flight controls, and propulsion teams.
Mentor junior engineers, help set technical direction, and promote technical excellence.
Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground and flight testing.
Help ensure product features meet performance, schedule, and reliability goals.