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Senior Mechanical Engineer, Actuation & Fluid Systems (R4730)

Dallas, Texas
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

Shield AI is seeking a Actuated and Fluid Systems Engineer to support development of hydraulic and actuated systems for our groundbreaking jet-engine VTOL military UAV platform, X-BAT. You will design components and fluid systems, engage with suppliers, perform system and component analysis and sizing, and own multiple aspects of X-BAT’s hydraulics and actuation systems.

What you'll do:

  • Work with the engineering team to own design, analysis, and implementation of hydraulic and actuated system designs
  • Engage with and manage suppliers to establish component and system specifications, purchase COTS equipment, and support on-time delivery of your system(s) to the aircraft.
  • Design and execute tests to ensure component and system-level performance meets requirements
  • Own and manage lightweight system level requirements
  • Work with cross-functional stakeholders across the actuated systems group and the aircraft to ensure excellent implementation of your designs

Required qualifications:

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
  • 5+ years experience with fluid or hydraulic system design, component design, system analysis, supplier management, requirements management, etc.
  • Working knowledge of hydraulic components (relief valves, pumps, reservoirs, accumulators, actuators, fluid control valves)
  • Demonstrated ability to execute design, build, test with rigor at speed
  • Strong CAD skills (NX preferred)
  • Demonstrated proficiency with hydraulic system analysis, including 1st principles, Simscape, Amesim, etc.
  • 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 environmental and operational robustness (vibration/shock, thermal extremes, contamination, corrosion, sand/dust, etc.).
  • Experience supporting ground test and flight test campaigns and system checkout, failure investigations.
  • Familiarity with reliability and safety methods (DFMEA/FTA, fault containment, safe-state thinking) in collaboration with systems safety.
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.
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. 

About Shield AI

Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company building autonomous AI systems for aircraft, drones, and intelligent mission software used in complex military environments. Founded in 2015, the company is best known for developing Hivemind, an AI pilot system that enables aircraft and drones to operate autonomously in contested and GPS-denied environments, supporting U.S. and allied defense missions.

For job seekers, Shield AI offers opportunities across advanced fields including artificial intelligence, robotics, software engineering, autonomy systems, aerospace engineering, embedded systems, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, AI researchers, and defense professionals who want to work on real-world autonomous systems that are actively being deployed in operational military scenarios.

Unlike traditional defense contractors, Shield AI operates with a startup-style engineering culture focused on rapid experimentation, real-world testing, and fast deployment of autonomous capabilities. Employees work on tightly integrated AI and robotics systems that combine perception, decision-making, and control, enabling platforms to operate without direct human input in highly complex environments.

As modern warfare increasingly shifts toward autonomous systems, distributed sensing, and AI-enabled decision-making, Shield AI continues to grow as one of the most prominent companies in next-generation defense technology. For professionals seeking to build cutting-edge autonomy systems with direct mission impact, Shield AI stands out as a leading employer in the defense innovation ecosystem.

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