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Staff Engineer, Mechanical Design – Launch and Recovery Systems (R4571)

Dallas, Texas
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

Shield AI is pioneering the development of AI-powered autonomous aircraft for national defense, pushing the boundaries of aerospace innovation. Our next gen UAS is a next-generation, high-endurance unmanned system designed for deployment in complex, contested environments.
 
We are seeking a Staff Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and testing of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) for our next gen UAS. This role is instrumental in creating robust, field-deployable support systems that enable aircraft operations, maintenance, and sustainment in military environments.
 
This position requires deep expertise in mechanical design, structural analysis, and aerospace ground systems. You will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations teams to develop innovative support solutions that enhance mission effectiveness and operational efficiency.

What you'll do:

  • Design and develop mechanical systems for Ground Support Equipment (GSE), including power units, transport structures, launch & recovery systems, and maintenance tools.
  • Create detailed CAD models, drawings, and specifications for manufacturing and assembly.
  • Conduct structural, thermal, and fatigue analysis to ensure durability and reliability of GSE in field environments.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate GSE with aircraft systems and mission operations.
  • Perform trade studies and system optimization to enhance portability, ruggedness, and maintainability of support systems.
  • Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of GSE designs to meet military and aviation standards.
  • Develop technical documentation, test procedures, and support manuals for field operations.
  • Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure cost-effective production and sustainment of GSE.
  • Support flight test campaigns by providing engineering support for ground systems and test operations.

Required qualifications:

  • 7+ years of experience in mechanical design for aerospace, ground support equipment, or heavy industrial systems.
  • Expertise in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar) for 3D modeling, drawing creation, and system layout.
  • Strong background in structural analysis, material selection, and manufacturing processes for ruggedized systems.
  • Experience designing deployable, transportable, and field-ready aerospace support equipment.
  • Knowledge of MIL-STD design requirements for aerospace ground support systems.
  • Experience with finite element analysis (FEA), thermal analysis, and fatigue/lifecycle testing.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile development environment with evolving priorities.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience designing UAS or military aircraft ground support equipment.
  • Knowledge of power distribution, hydraulics, and environmental control systems for aerospace applications.
  • Experience with DoD acquisition, sustainment, and field deployment strategies.
  • Prior experience supporting military aircraft maintenance and sustainment operations.
  • Active Secret or Top Secret clearance (or ability to obtain one).
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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