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Staff Engineer, Structural Designer (R4937)

Shield AI· X-BAT Division – X-BAT Engineering - LRV
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Seattle, WA$160k - $240kFull Time EmployeePosted 4mo ago

About the role

Senior mechanical/aerospace engineer responsible for the mechanical design and development of Shield AI's autonomous UAV structures, focusing on the launch and recovery system, with collaboration across electrical, avionics, flight controls, manufacturing, and test teams to achieve performance, schedule, and reliability goals.

Responsibilities

  • Design complex structures for the autonomous aircraft launch and recovery system
  • Own the full design process: concept, CAD, tolerance analysis, material selection, and drawing release
  • Perform structural and kinematic 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 on the pathway to production and field deployment
  • Participate in design reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making forums related to structural systems.
  • Identify opportunities to improve design processes, configuration management, and team workflows for increased engineering velocity and design quality

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
  • 7+ years in mechanical or mechanism design for ground vehicles
  • 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

Skills

Required:B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace EngineeringMechanical design for ground vehiclesCAD (NX preferred)Kinematic analysis and optimizationStructural analysis (hand calculations & FEA)GD&T and tolerance stack-upsMaterials selection
Nice to have:Security clearance

Benefits

  • 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
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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