Senior Manager, Mechanisms Engineering

About the role

Shield AI is looking for a Senior Manager to lead mechanisms engineering for its next‑generation autonomous aircraft program. You will own the design, analysis, and integration of high‑performance mechanical systems from concept through production, while guiding a talented engineering team.

Key responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and integrate mechanical subsystems for the X‑BAT Launch and Recovery Vehicle.
• Establish and improve mechanical engineering standards, templates, and specifications to reduce rework and accelerate iteration.
• Lead failure‑mode analysis, reliability modeling, and risk mitigation using FMEA and fault trees.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Program Management, and Flight Operations to ensure designs are buildable, testable, and reliable.
• Provide hands‑on technical support during ground and flight testing, quickly troubleshooting and implementing design fixes.
• Mentor, recruit, and develop a team of mechanical engineers, setting clear priorities and accountability.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of mechanical design experience for aerospace or ruggedized hardware systems.
• 3+ years of leadership experience building and managing high‑performing engineering teams.
• Proven ownership of 2–3 full product development cycles from concept to production sustainment.

Required skills

• Proficiency with 3D CAD (NX preferred) and GD&T‑compliant modeling.
• Experience creating drawing templates, standards, and manufacturing specifications.
• Knowledge of industry standards such as ASME, ISO, ASTM.
• Expertise in engineering analysis methods (FEA, stress, thermal, tolerance stack‑up, fatigue, fluid flow).
• Familiarity with reliability modeling, FMEA, and fault‑tree analysis.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes: machining, sheet metal, injection molding, casting, additive manufacturing.