Staff Engineer, Landing Gear Systems - Ranger (R6294)

Shield AI•Seattle, WA

1d•$170,000 - $250,000

About The Position

Shield AI is hiring a Staff or Senior Staff Landing Gear Engineer to take full technical ownership of the landing gear architecture, kinematic mechanism design, structural analysis, and vehicle integration for a new UAV platform. As the program’s sole landing gear subject matter expert, the engineer will conduct mechanism trades, perform first-principles structural calculations, design hardware, manage external component suppliers, support proposals and capture, and deliver flight-ready systems in a rapid-iteration development environment. The role combines technical rigor, fast decision-making, and hands-on engineering to transition concepts into operational capability. The engineer will lead landing gear architecture and trade studies; own CAD design from initial concept through drawing release; perform structural, fatigue, and dynamic sizing; select landing gear subsystems; source components and manage vendors; define and support testing and qualification; and assist with prototype assembly, ground taxi testing, and flight test operations. The role requires autonomy, ownership, and the ability to deliver functional hardware under tight timelines. The position requires at least 7 years of direct relevant experience for L4 or 12 years for L5, and a B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Compensation is listed at $170,000–$250,000 per year. The full-time regular employee offer package includes pay within the range, bonus, benefits, and equity. Salary depends on factors including skills, experience, certifications, and work location; offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Shield AI is an equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer.

Requirements

At least 7 years (L4) to 12 years (L5) of direct experience in aerospace mechanism design, aircraft landing gear systems, or primary structural development.
B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Deep knowledge of classical solid mechanics, kinematics, dynamics, fatigue, materials selection, alloys, heat treatments, surface treatments, material allowables, GD&T, and tolerance stack-up methods.
Demonstrated ability to perform closed-form hand calculations and FEA, including linear, nonlinear, buckling, and modal analysis, for high-load mechanisms and structural components.
Extensive experience with 3D CAD modeling, mechanism layout, drawing release, and PLM workflows.
Proven experience sourcing aerospace hardware, working with specialized mechanism or actuator suppliers, and supporting physical builds and test rigs.
Ability to self-direct, prioritize technical tasks without oversight, and deliver functional hardware under tight timelines.
Eligible for a Secret clearance.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with UAV, autonomous aircraft, or rotorcraft landing systems and arresting gear integration.
Familiarity with aerospace structural, environmental, and mechanism drop-test standards, such as MIL-STD-810, RTCA DO-160, AS6053, and MIL-A-8866/MIL-A-8867.
Hands-on machine shop, fabrication, or mechanical assembly experience in a prototype or rapid R&D environment.
Siemens NX experience; CATIA or Creo are identified as equivalent CAD tools.

Responsibilities

Lead landing gear architecture definition and trade studies, including actuation approaches, fixed versus retractable kinematics, and stowage packaging, to meet vehicle mass, volume, and ground-handling requirements.
Own the CAD design lifecycle from concept through drawing release, including linkage kinematics, clearance envelopes, structural load paths, material selection, and tolerance stack-ups.
Perform classical stress and fatigue hand calculations, finite element analyses, and dynamic landing-load assessments.
Size and select wheels, tires, brakes, shock absorption systems, actuators, and nose wheel steering mechanisms for vehicle landing and taxi envelopes.
Write technical specifications and statements of work for landing gear components, evaluate vendors, and guide supplier technical execution.
Define verification test plans, design mechanical test fixtures, support drop-test campaigns, and perform functional validation against performance requirements.
Support prototype assembly, ground taxi testing, and flight test operations; investigate mechanism anomalies, identify root causes, and implement rapid design changes.
Support proposals and capture activities.