This listing pays about $255,000 a year. Across 43 open senior staff engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $217,000 to $265,000 and the median is $240,000. That is inside the middle half of those listings, 6% above the median.

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AI use among engineers, all other is little observed so far. Measured exposure for engineers, all other: 7% (little observed).

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Talent acquisition

About the job

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 www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

What you'll do:

Design complex electro-mechanical or hydro-mechanical mechanisms 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, flight controls, and propulsion teams

Mentor junior engineers and help set technical direction and promote technical excellence

Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing

Required qualifications:

B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

10+ years in mechanical or mechanism design

Strong CAD skills (NX preferred)

Kinematic analysis and optimization

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

A demonstrated record of working hard, being trustworthy, holding yourself to high standards, and being kind to others

Preferred qualifications:

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)

RTCA DO-160, MIL-STD-810, structural, or actuated mechanism testing experience

Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments

Full-time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.