a16z Senior Component Engineer
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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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 . Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
Shield AI is redefining autonomous aviation with cutting-edge AI and GPS/RF-denied navigation technologies. Now, we’re building our next-generation aircraft, XBAT, like no other—one that will push the boundaries of innovation and performance.
As a Component Engineer at Shield AI, you’ll own the selection, qualification, and lifecycle management of electronic components across our products. You will drive component decisions that reduce risk, control cost and ensure long-term product reliability and survivability. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, supply chain and reliability.
What you'll do:
- Own component data and governance in PLM (part creation, attributes, AML/AVL, lifecycle states)
- Review and approve new component requests
- Define baseline quality requirements for COTS components and enforce them through design BOM reviews
- Monitor and assess PCNs and lifecycle changes (NRND/EOL), and drive mitigation actions through Engineering Change Orders (ECOs)
- Partner with Electrical Engineering to select components that meet performance, cost, and availability targets
- Build and maintain preferred parts lists and approved vendor lists (AVL)
- Support supply chain with alternate part evaluations and second-sourcing strategies
- Engage directly with suppliers to resolve technical questions
Required qualifications:
- B.S. in an engineering field.
- 5+ years of relevant experience
- Understanding of Product Lifecycle Management (Arena, Teamcenter), ECAD tools (Altium) and structured component libraries
- Strong judgment in balancing performance, cost and supply chain risk
- Demonstrated track record of ownership, high standards, and effective collaboration
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
- Degree in electrical engineering or computer science
- Familiar with industry-standard component qualification process (AEC-Q, NASA, JEDEC, MIL, etc)
- Knowledge of electrical component manufacturing processes and common failure modes.
- Proficiency in Python/SQL
- Experience writing specifications/standards for internal company distribution
#LI-JM2
#LC
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.