Shield AI · 3 days ago
Staff Mechanical Engineer - Launch & Recovery Systems (R4062)
Dallas, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$137K/yr - $205K/yr
8+ years expShield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The Staff Mechanical Engineer will design and integrate launch and recovery systems for unmanned aerial systems, ensuring safe and efficient operations in complex environments.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Design, develop, and integrate mechanical systems for launch and recovery, including electromechanical actuators, hydraulic systems, and robust deployment mechanisms
Create detailed CAD models, mechanical drawings, and documentation to support prototyping and production
Perform mechanical and structural analysis to validate the integrity and performance of critical systems in real-world operating environments
Partner with flight operations, avionics, systems, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration and functionality of launch/recovery systems
Lead design reviews and collaborate on system-level trade studies to balance performance, maintainability, and cost
Support hands-on prototyping and iterative development, including testing and field validation
Author technical documentation, system procedures, and test plans to support flight and operational teams
Provide engineering support during field exercises and test events, ensuring readiness and reliability of all recovery systems
Qualification
Required
8+ years of experience in mechanical design for aerospace, ground support equipment, or heavy industrial systems
Expertise in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar) for 3D modeling, drawing creation, and system layout
Strong background in structural analysis, material selection, and manufacturing processes for ruggedized systems
Experience designing deployable, transportable, and field-ready aerospace support equipment
Knowledge of MIL-STD design requirements for aerospace ground support systems
Experience with finite element analysis (FEA), thermal analysis, and fatigue/lifecycle testing
Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile development environment with evolving priorities
Preferred
Experience developing launch, recovery, or deployment systems for UAS, aircraft, or other mobile platforms
Familiarity with MIL-STD design constraints and ruggedization best practices
Exposure to environmental and dynamic testing, including vibration, thermal cycling, and fatigue
Experience working directly with fabrication shops, contract manufacturers, and suppliers
Ability to support field testing and flight campaigns with on-the-ground engineering support
Active or eligible for U.S. Secret Clearance
Benefits
Bonus
Benefits
Equity
Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Company
Shield AI
Shield AI is a deep-tech company that focuses on developing AI-powered systems to enhance the safety of service members and civilians.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.31BKey Investors
Hercules CapitalUS Innovative Technology FundSnowpoint Ventures
2025-03-06Series F· $240M
2023-12-29Debt Financing· $200M
2023-10-31Series F· $300M
Leadership Team
Gary Steele
Chief Executive Officer
Brandon Tseng
Co-Founder
Recent News
Company data provided by crunchbase