Mechanical Engineer II, Hydraulics (UAV Launch and Recovery Systems)

About the role

Shield AI is a defense-tech company developing autonomous UAV products, including aircraft and simulation technologies. As a Mechanical Engineer II, you will contribute to the mechanical design and development of its autonomous UAV products, helping to architect new products and perform detailed design of complex hydraulic systems. You will work with internal and external partners to prototype, test and release products, and help ensure they meet performance, schedule and reliability goals.

Key responsibilities

• Design complex hydraulic fluid systems for autonomous aircraft launch and recovery systems
• Support the full design process: concept, CAD, tolerance analysis, material selection and drawing release
• Perform structural calculations and preliminary FEA
• Prototype, test and iterate mechanism designs for functionality and reliability
• Collaborate with electrical, avionics, flight controls, manufacturing and test teams
• Support pre-production builds, prototype integration and ground/flight testing
• Take part in design reviews, architecture discussions and technical decision-making forums on hydraulic systems
• Identify improvements to design processes, configuration management and team workflows

Required profile

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 2+ years in mechanical or mechanism design with a focus on fluid systems
• Ability to work independently in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired

Required skills

• Strong CAD skills (NX preferred)
• Kinematic analysis and optimization
• Structural analysis by hand calculation and finite element methods
• FEA: modal, non-linear and linear, buckling, fatigue
• GD&T and tolerance stack-ups
• Materials selection including alloys, heat treatments, allowables and finishes

Preferred: UAV, aircraft or robotic system experience; familiarity with electro-mechanical actuators; FMEA, DOE and root cause analysis; machine shop or mechanic experience; MIL-STD-810 or actuated mechanism testing experience; comfort in startup, R&D or defense innovation environments.