Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering - Avionics (R4416

About Shield AI

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture‑backed defense‑tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V‑BAT and X‑BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia‑Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. Visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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. The manager will establish the technical vision, hire top tier engineers, and partner with all other engineering team leads to execute cross‑functionally. Extreme ownership is expected; the team will carry designs from concept through manufacturing.

• Be responsible for the architecture and design for all parts of the mechanical system in the X‑BAT aircraft and ground vehicle, as they pertain to avionics.
• Build and lead a small team, establish leads and sub‑managers while growing the team significantly in the immediate and long term.
• Leverage your past individual‑contributor design experience to establish “right” design standards for the organization.
• Partner closely with electrical engineering, RF, PCB design, reliability, supply chain, structures, manufacturing and other disciplines to drive full‑scope product delivery.
• Produce complex electro‑mechanical solutions for flight‑critical avionics systems that withstand harsh environments.

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design around electronics and electrical systems.
• Strong experience in CAD software (NX, Solid Works, CATIA, or similar) for 3D modeling, drawing creation, and system layout.
• Experience working with electrical engineers to develop avionics packaging.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA), thermal analysis, and fatigue/lifecycle testing.
• Experience working directly with fabrication shops, contract manufacturers, and suppliers.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, agile development environment with evolving priorities.
• A demonstrated record of working hard, being trustworthy, holding yourself to high standards, and being kind to others.
• Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance.

Full‑time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity. Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment). Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.