Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer - Launch & Recovery Systems (r4564)

Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer

Shield AI is pioneering AI pilots for aircraft that protect service members and civilians—pushing the boundaries of autonomous flight. Our next-generation UAS is designed for deployment in the most demanding, high-stakes environments.

We are seeking a Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and integration of launch and recovery systems for our UAS platform. These systems are mission-critical and directly impact aircraft safety, deployability, and operational reliability in austere environments.

This role is suited for engineers who combine deep mechanism and hydraulic expertise with system-level thinking, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to drive complex hardware from concept through field deployment.

What you'll do:

1. Own the mechanical architecture and technical direction for launch and recovery systems across development phases.
2. Lead the design of electromechanical actuation systems, hydraulic assemblies, deployment mechanisms, and ruggedized structural systems.
3. Drive system-level trade studies balancing performance, reliability, maintainability, weight, and cost.
4. Define validation strategies, oversee structural, fatigue, and environmental testing plans, and ensure technical rigor.
5. Serve as the mechanical authority in cross-functional integration efforts with avionics, propulsion, systems engineering, and manufacturing.
6. Lead and present in major design reviews (PDR/CDR/TRR), ensuring readiness for production and field operations.
7. Mentor engineers and elevate design standards across the team.
8. Provide field support during flight campaigns and operational exercises, resolving system-level issues rapidly.

Required qualifications:

• 9–10+ years of experience in aerospace, ground systems, or heavy industrial mechanical design.
• Deep expertise in mechanism design, hydraulics, and ruggedized deployable systems.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar).
• Strong experience in structural analysis, fatigue/lifecycle validation, and material selection for harsh environments.
• Experience leading subsystem architecture and driving system-level decisions.
• Experience working directly with suppliers and managing technical execution through fabrication and integration.
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, evolving development programs.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience developing aircraft launch/recovery systems or similar deployable aerospace hardware.
• Strong familiarity with MIL-STD requirements and ruggedization best practices.
• Experience leading environmental and dynamic testing campaigns.
• Experience supporting production ramp and field deployment.
• Active or eligible for U.S. Secret Clearance.

$166,632 - $249,948 a year

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.

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.