Sr. Staff Mechanical Engineer - BlueSky (R5825)

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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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 [](https://shield.ai/). Follow Shield AI on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/shield-ai), [X](https://x.com/shieldaitech), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/shield_ai), and [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@Shield_AI). Help design and deliver the mechanical systems that power advanced aerospace blue-sky platforms from concept to real-world operation. In this role, you will own hardware development across the full product lifecycle—working hands-on in CAD, analysis, and testing—while collaborating with cross-functional teams to build reliable, high-performance systems. Operating in a fast-paced environment, you’ll turn complex challenges into practical solutions and play a key role in bringing mission-ready technology to life. - Directly contribute to the design, analysis, and integration of mechanical systems and subsystems, including avionics packaging, harnessing and connector selection, and structures. - 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 functions, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality to ensure designs are buildable, testable, and reliable in real-world environments. - Provide hands-on technical support during 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. - 5-6 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.