Perform hands-on mechanical design, analysis, and integration for V-BAT aircraft and ground support equipment across the product lifecycle. Create CAD models and GD&T drawings, validate designs via calculations/FEA, collaborate with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and program teams, and provide technical support during testing and field operations.
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Help bring advanced aerospace systems to life through hands-on mechanical design and real-world problem solving. In this role, you’ll contribute to the development and integration of complex hardware from concept through production, working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, high-performance systems. In a fast-paced environment, you’ll turn ideas into tangible solutions, support testing and field operations, and play a key role in building mission-ready technology
What you'll do:
- Directly contribute to the design, analysis, and integration of mechanical systems and subsystems for V-BAT aircraft and ground support equipment, including payload integrations, avionics packaging, harnessing and connector selection, transport structures, and launch & recovery systems.
- Own mechanical engineering deliverables across the product lifecycle—from early concept and prototyping through test, production, and field support—with a bias toward execution and delivery.
- Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Program Management, and Flight Operations to ensure designs are buildable, testable, and reliable in real-world environments.
- Provide hands-on technical support during ground and flight testing, demos, and field operations; rapidly troubleshoot and implement design fixes under tight timelines.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field from an accredited institution.
- 2-3 years of hands-on mechanical design experience in aerospace, ground support equipment, or related ruggedized hardware systems.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, or similar) with demonstrated ability to create detailed drawings, assemblies, and GD&T-compliant documentation
- Strong foundation in structural design, material selection, and manufacturing processes.
- Experience performing engineering calculations (stress, thermal, tolerance stack-up, fatigue, FEA as applicable) to validate design integrity
- Cross-functional collaboration experience with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management.
Preferred qualifications:
- Root cause analysis and structured problem-solving capability to resolve mechanical failures.
- Familiarity with industry standards (ASME, ISO, ASTM, or industry-specific regulatory requirements).
- Familiarity with MIL-STD requirements and environmental qualification testing.
- Familiarity to power distribution, hydraulics, or aerospace support systems.
- Experience working with external suppliers or contract manufacturers.
#LI-MS1
#LB
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.
Similar Jobs at Shield AI
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead deployment of an AI-native digital factory: define digital architecture, deploy MES and integrations, enable AI-driven manufacturing (predictive maintenance, automated root-cause analysis, intelligent work instructions), digitize manufacturing knowledge, and drive automation and factory transformation across production, quality, maintenance, and supply chain.
Top Skills:
Advanced AnalyticsAIAutomation PlatformsDigital TwinErpFactory AutomationIndustrial ControlsMachine LearningMachine VisionManufacturing Execution SystemMesPlcsPlmPredictive MaintenanceQmsSensors
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Support implementation and monitoring of FAR/DFARS/CAS compliance controls, assist policy and control documentation, participate in internal reviews and audit readiness, prepare government filings, produce compliance reports and dashboards, monitor regulatory updates, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Senior technician responsible for inspecting, troubleshooting, repairing, modifying, and maintaining V-BAT Ground Support Equipment. Perform electrical, electronic, mechanical diagnostics and repairs, construct and test wiring harnesses, complete maintenance documentation, support root-cause investigations, improve procedures, and assist with aircraft-level maintenance when workload allows.
Top Skills:
Connector RepairContinuity TestingCrimpingDigital MultimeterElectronic Maintenance/Work-Order Management SystemsFaa Airframe And Powerplant (A&P)Insulation TesterIpc-A-610Ipc/Whma-A-620J-Std-001Load-Testing EquipmentMS OfficePower SupplyResistance TestingSolderingVoltage TestingWiring Harness Repair
What you need to know about the Austin Tech Scene
Austin has a diverse and thriving tech ecosystem thanks to home-grown companies like Dell and major campuses for IBM, AMD and Apple. The state’s flagship university, the University of Texas at Austin, is known for its engineering school, and the city is known for its annual South by Southwest tech and media conference. Austin’s tech scene spans many verticals, but it’s particularly known for hardware, including semiconductors, as well as AI, biotechnology and cloud computing. And its food and music scene, low taxes and favorable climate has made the city a destination for tech workers from across the country.
Key Facts About Austin Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 180,500; 13.7% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Dell, IBM, AMD, Apple, Alphabet
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, hardware, cloud computing, software, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.5 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Live Oak Ventures, Austin Ventures, Hinge Capital, Gigafund, KdT Ventures, Next Coast Ventures, Silverton Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Texas, Southwestern University, Texas State University, Center for Complex Quantum Systems, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Texas Advanced Computing Center
