Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering - Avionics (R4416)

About the role

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Manager of Mechanical Engineering to build and lead the team responsible for all mechanical design, thermal, and harnessing in the X‑BAT aircraft and ground vehicle. You will set the technical vision, recruit top‑tier engineers, and collaborate with other engineering leads to deliver cross‑functional solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead architecture and design for mechanical, thermal, and EWIS elements of ground and flight avionics on the X‑BAT program.
• Own a small team of thermal, mechanical, and EWIS engineers, establish leads and sub‑managers, and grow the team to meet program goals.
• Develop standards and processes for thermal and mechanical engineering of critical avionics hardware.
• Partner with electrical, RF, PCB, reliability, supply chain, structures, and manufacturing teams to drive full‑scope product delivery.
• Deliver complex electro‑mechanical solutions for flight‑critical avionics that withstand harsh environments.

Required profile

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 10+ years of mechanical design experience around electronics and electrical systems.
• Strong experience with CAD software (NX, SolidWorks, CATIA or similar) for 3D modeling, drawing creation, and system layout.
• Experience collaborating with electrical engineers on avionics packaging.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA), thermal analysis, and fatigue/lifecycle testing.
• Hands‑on work with fabrication shops, contract manufacturers, and suppliers.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, agile environment and obtain a Secret‑level security clearance.

Required skills

• NX, SolidWorks, CATIA (or comparable CAD tools).
• 3D modeling and detailed drawing creation.
• Finite element analysis (FEA).
• Thermal analysis.
• Fatigue and lifecycle testing.
• Electro‑mechanical integration for avionics.