Supports the design, analysis, fabrication, assembly, and testing of mechanical and structural aerospace hardware and test systems. Creates CAD models, drawings, fixtures, and test procedures; assists with structural, thermal, and fatigue assessments; performs prototyping, troubleshooting, and design validation; documents results; and coordinates with manufacturing teams and suppliers in laboratory, shop, and field environments.
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 www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Shield AI is pioneering the development of AI-powered autonomous aircraft for national defense, pushing the boundaries of aerospace innovation. Our next-generation UAS is a high-endurance unmanned system designed for deployment in complex, contested environments.
We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer I to support the design, development, and testing of flight hardware and mechanical test systems. In this entry-level role, you will work alongside experienced engineers to develop fixed and field-deployable solutions for hardware qualification, environmental testing, stress testing, and sustainment.
You will gain hands-on experience in mechanical design, structural analysis, and aerospace test systems while collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations teams.
What you'll do:
- Support the design, analysis, fabrication, and assembly of mechanical and structural systems.
- Create and revise CAD models, engineering drawings, and manufacturing specifications.
- Assist in designing structural and electromechanical test stands and fixtures for aeronautical components.
- Participate in prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, and design validation.
- Perform structural, thermal, and fatigue assessments with guidance from experienced engineers.
- Develop test procedures, document results, and communicate findings.
- Participate in design reviews and contribute ideas that improve reliability, manufacturability, and testability.
- Support coordination with manufacturing teams and suppliers during fabrication and assembly.
- Apply engineering fundamentals to hands-on technical problems in laboratory, shop, and field environments.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required qualifications:
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related STEM field.
- 0–2 years of relevant experience; internships, co-ops, research, and substantial academic projects may count toward this requirement.
- Foundational knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, physics, and mathematics.
- Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar.
- Familiarity with engineering drawings, material selection, structural analysis, and common manufacturing processes.
- Hands-on experience building, testing, or troubleshooting mechanical systems.
- Ability to organize technical work, document results, and communicate effectively.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced development environment with evolving priorities.
- Record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself to high standards, and being kind to others.
Preferred qualifications:
- Internship, co-op, research, or project experience in aerospace, robotics, automotive, test engineering, or a related field.
- Familiarity with finite element analysis, thermal analysis, or fatigue and lifecycle testing.
- Experience designing or testing aerospace structures, test fixtures, or ground support equipment.
- Experience using machine-shop tools or rapid-prototyping methods.
- Exposure to instrumentation, sensors, data-acquisition systems, or electromechanical systems.
- Familiarity with hydraulics, nondestructive evaluation or testing, or aerospace testing practices.
#LI-JW4
#LA
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 • Defense Technology
Design and integrate aircraft configurations for autonomous UAVs, including airframe sizing, weight estimation, CAD modeling, aerodynamic and structural analysis, system trade studies, prototyping, wind tunnel testing, requirements development, and production transition. The role collaborates across mechanical, electrical, propulsion, avionics, manufacturing, and production teams to deliver manufacturable, mission-effective aircraft designs.
Top Skills:
3D ModelingCadCfdComputational AerodynamicsFeaNxRapid PrototypingSolidworksWind Tunnel Testing
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
Supports the design, integration, prototyping, testing, and release of mechanical systems for autonomous aircraft. Responsibilities include CAD modeling, drawings, bills of materials, tolerance analysis, engineering calculations, preliminary FEA, component selection, prototype testing, aircraft integration, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis. Collaborates with multidisciplinary engineering, manufacturing, and test teams while completing defined tasks under guidance.
Top Skills:
3D CadFinite Element AnalysisFmeaGd&TMatlabMil-Std-810NxPythonRtca Do-160
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Defense Technology
Own the aircraft fuel system throughout requirements, architecture, design, procurement, integration, testing, flight, and operational deployment. Design and analyze tanks, pumps, valves, plumbing, venting, sensing, and related hardware across demanding flight conditions. Lead reviews, supplier engagements, testing, data analysis, failure investigations, and corrective actions while collaborating with propulsion, airframe, manufacturing, supply chain, test, and flight teams.
Top Skills:
AnsysCfdFeaGfsspPythonRefprop
What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene
San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attracts more startup funding than any other region in the world. Home to Stanford University and UC Berkeley, leading VC firms and several of the world’s most valuable companies, the Bay Area is the place to go for anyone looking to make it big in the tech industry. That said, San Francisco has a lot to offer beyond technology thanks to a thriving art and music scene, excellent food and a short drive to several of the country’s most beautiful recreational areas.
Key Facts About San Francisco Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
- Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
- Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
