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

Shield AI· X-BAT Division – X-BAT Engineering - LRV
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Seattle, WA$160k - $240kFull Time EmployeePosted 7mo ago

About the role

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer leading design, development, and testing of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) for the next-generation UAS, focusing on robust, field-deployable support systems for aircraft operations, maintenance, and sustainment in military environments.

Responsibilities

  • 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.

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

Skills

Required:Mechanical design for aerospace/GSECAD softwareStructural analysisMIL-STD and aerospace ground support
Nice to have:Security clearance

Benefits

  • Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
  • 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.
Last updated Oct 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Shield AI

Autonomy for the world.

Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.

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