Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer - Launch & Recovery Systems (R4564)

Shield AI • Dallas, TX

4d • $166,632 - $249,948

About The Position

Shield AI is pioneering AI pilots for aircraft that protect service members and civilians—pushing the boundaries of autonomous flight. Our next-generation UAS is designed for deployment in the most demanding, high-stakes environments. We are seeking a Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and integration of launch and recovery systems for our UAS platform. These systems are mission-critical and directly impact aircraft safety, deployability, and operational reliability in austere environments. This role is suited for engineers who combine deep mechanism and hydraulic expertise with system-level thinking, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to drive complex hardware from concept through field deployment.

Requirements

• 9–10+ years of experience in aerospace, ground systems, or heavy industrial mechanical design.
• Deep expertise in mechanism design, hydraulics, and ruggedized deployable systems.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar).
• Strong experience in structural analysis, fatigue/lifecycle validation, and material selection for harsh environments.
• Experience leading subsystem architecture and driving system-level decisions.
• Experience working directly with suppliers and managing technical execution through fabrication and integration.
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, evolving development programs.

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing aircraft launch/recovery systems or similar deployable aerospace hardware.
• Strong familiarity with MIL-STD requirements and ruggedization best practices.
• Experience leading environmental and dynamic testing campaigns.
• Experience supporting production ramp and field deployment.
• Active or eligible for U.S. Secret Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical architecture and technical direction for launch and recovery systems across development phases.
• Lead the design of electromechanical actuation systems, hydraulic assemblies, deployment mechanisms, and ruggedized structural systems.
• Drive system-level trade studies balancing performance, reliability, maintainability, weight, and cost.
• Define validation strategies, oversee structural, fatigue, and environmental testing plans, and ensure technical rigor.
• Serve as the mechanical authority in cross-functional integration efforts with avionics, propulsion, systems engineering, and manufacturing.
• Lead and present in major design reviews (PDR/CDR/TRR), ensuring readiness for production and field operations.
• Mentor engineers and elevate design standards across the team.
• Provide field support during flight campaigns and operational exercises, resolving system-level issues rapidly.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed