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Shield AI

a16z — Backed by a16z
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Staff Engineer, Mechanical (R4887)

Open 59d
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:

Help design and deliver the mechanical systems that power advanced aerospace platforms from concept to real-world operation. In this role, you will own hardware development across the full product lifecycle—working hands-on in CAD, analysis, and testing—while collaborating with cross-functional teams to build reliable, high-performance systems. Operating in a fast-paced environment, you’ll turn complex challenges into practical solutions and play a key role in bringing mission-ready technology to life.

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.
  • 5-6 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.
    • 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.
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    What this application asks

    lever

    Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Twitter URL, GitHub URL, Portfolio URL, Other website

    • Are you authorized to work in the United States? choose one
    • Will you require sponsorship for employment now or in the future? choose one
    • If yes, what type of sponsorship? written answer · optional
    • This position may require access to information and technology that is subject to export controls, such as EAR. Are you any of the following? choose one
    • If you selected "A protected Individual" OR "Other" to the above question, please explain further. written answer · optional
    • Shield AI provides technology, services, and support to the United States military and allied forces with their various missions. If selected for employment with Shield AI, your contributions will directly relate to and/or support these missions. Are there any reasons why you would not be able to fully contribute in support of the U.S. military and allied forces? choose one
    • (Optional) If you selected other or would like to expand on the above, feel free to do so below: written answer · optional
    • How did you hear about us? choose one
    • If "Industry Conference" or "Other," please provide more details: written answer · optional
    • Please state your full legal name:
    • Are you a transitioning service member? choose one
    • If yes, what partnership program are you working with? choose one · optional
    • If other, please provide further details written answer · optional
    • When are you available to start your fellowship? written answer · optional
    • When are you available for full time work? written answer · optional
    • What full time job(s) are you applying for? written answer
    • Are you local to or willing to relocate? choose one · optional
    • What office(s) would you be willing to relocate to? (Select all that apply) yes / no · optional
    • If you selected international, what location(s)? written answer · optional

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