This listing pays about $130,000 a year. Across 62 open engineer ii listings that state pay, the middle half runs $92,500 to $116,000 and the median is $107,500. That is 21% above the median, above the middle half of those listings.

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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.

Job Description: Are you a passionate and innovative product design engineer looking to help develop state-of-the-art AI and aircraft products? Are you eager to make a positive difference in the world? Do you want to work alongside mission driven and values focused teammates? Shield AI is just the place for you! As a Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for contributing to the mechanical design and development of Shield AI's autonomous UAV products. You will help architect new products, perform the detailed design of complex hydraulic systems and will 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.

What you'll do:

Design complex hydraulic fluid systems for autonomous aircraft launch and recovery systems

Support the full design process: concept, CAD, tolerance analysis, material selection, and drawing release

Perform structural calculations and preliminary FEA

Prototype, test, and iterate mechanism designs for functionality and reliability

Collaborate with electrical, avionics, flight controls, manufacturing, and test teams

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

Participate in design reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making forums related to hydraulic systems.

Identify opportunities to improve design processes, configuration management, and team workflows for increased engineering velocity and design quality

Required qualifications:

B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

2+ years in mechanical or mechanism design with a focus on fluid systems

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

Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

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)

MIL-STD-810, structural, or actuated mechanism testing experience

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

#LI-MS1 #LB

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.