Mechanical Engineer - Aircraft Wing Design

About Shield AI:
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians through intelligent systems. Our innovative products, including Hivemind autonomy software and advanced V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, redefine what’s possible in autonomous aviation. Join a dynamic team focused on building and integrating world-class autonomous aircraft at global scale.

Position Overview:
Shield AI is seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer with expertise in aircraft wing development to join our growing engineering team. In this role, you will lead and contribute to the design, analysis, integration, and testing of advanced wing structures for unmanned aerial systems (UAS). You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance the performance, manufacturability, and reliability of next-generation autonomous aircraft.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead or contribute to the design, development, and optimization of aircraft wing structures, components, and assemblies for advanced UAS platforms
• Perform structural analysis, material selection, and detailed mechanical design using CAD tools
• Support the integration of wing systems with fuselage, avionics, propulsion, and payloads
• Develop and execute test plans for structural and aerodynamic performance validation (e.g., ground testing, flight testing)
• Collaborate with manufacturing, assembly, and quality teams to ensure designs are producible and meet stringent performance and reliability standards
• Document engineering processes, technical drawings, and specification requirements
• Analyze and resolve technical issues during the development and production lifecycle
• Participate in design and peer reviews, risk assessments, and continuous improvement activities

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in aircraft or aerospace mechanical design, with significant hands-on experience in wing development
• Proficiency in CAD software (Siemens NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar)
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, composite and metallic structures, and weight optimization principles
• Experience with structural analysis (FEA) and material testing for aerospace applications
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and critical thinking skills
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or military aerospace platforms
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes for composite and advanced materials
• Familiarity with MIL-STD and regulatory requirements for structural design
• Hands-on experience with flight test programs or aerospace R&D

Why Join Shield AI:

• Work on cutting-edge technology with a mission-driven team
• Collaborate with top engineers and innovators in defense and aerospace
• Excellent benefits including equity, health insurance, and professional development opportunities
• Inclusive and supportive work environment committed to equal opportunity

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion,