Staff Engineer, Landing Gear Systems (R5372)

Shield AI•Dallas, TX

12d

About The Position

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company founded in 2015, 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. This role is for a passionate and innovative product design engineer looking to help develop state-of-the-art AI and aircraft products, working alongside mission-driven and values-focused teammates. As a Principal Landing Gear Engineer, you will contribute to the mechanical design and development of Shield AI's autonomous UAV products. You will help architect landing gear on next-generation unmanned aerial platforms, perform the detailed design of landing gear, doors, and related mechanisms, and use best-in-class design and analysis tools. You will collaborate closely with internal and/or external partners to prototype, test, and release products to production. You will also help ensure product features achieve performance, schedule, and reliability goals.

Requirements

B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
7+ years in mechanical or mechanism design
Strong CAD skills (NX preferred)
Experience with UAVs, aircraft, rotorcraft, or other landable air systems
Kinematic analysis and optimization of retractable landing gear systems
Knowledge of tire, wheel, and brake selection along with brake control systems
Familiarity with nose wheel steering systems
Structural analysis utilizing hand calculations and finite element methods
FEA analysis: Modal, non-linear and linear, buckling, fatigue
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

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with electro-mechanical actuators
Proficiency in FMEA, DOE, and root cause analysis
Hands-on machine shop or mechanic experience (professional or hobby)
RTCA DO-160, MIL-STD-810, structural, actuated mechanism, or AS6053 drop testing experience
Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments

Responsibilities

Design electro-mechanical or hydro-mechanical landing gear for autonomous aircraft
Own the full design process: concept, CAD design, analysis, tolerance stackups, 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, hydraulics, and structures teams
Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing