Mechanical Engineering Sr. Manager - Avionics (R4416)

Shield AI · San Diego, California / Dallas, Texas

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. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:
Shield AI is seeking an engineering manager of Mechanical Design to support the development of our next-generation autonomous UAV platform. In this high-ownership, high visibility role you will lead a team of engineers developing mechanical systems to support Shield AI’s next generation aircraft program(s). 
 
You will work the director of engineering in a deputy capacity to support collaboration across engineering sites, align technical leaders, create mentorship opportunities for junior engineers, and assist in leveling engineering resources across vehicles and programs. 
 
You will set the bar for excellence through technical demonstration, guidance, and mentorship. 
 

What you'll do:

  • Lead a team designing complex electro-mechanical solutions for flight critical avionics systems. This includes packaging, electrical interconnects, thermal management, and integration of designs into the X-BAT aircraft 
  • Drive structural, thermal, and modal analyses for electromechanical systems to ensure survivability in harsh environments 
  • Work cross-functionally with electrical engineering, supply chain, supplier development engineering, manufacturing, and other mechanical engineering teams 
  • Ensure avionics meet performance, safety, environmental, and EMI/EMC compliance standards on a long-term path to airworthiness certification 
  • Lead by example - own work from design, verification, and through production 

    • Required qualifications:

  • B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering 
  • 10+ years of experience in mechanical & electrical equipment design for aerospace, including harness integration and mechanical component design 
  • Expertise in CAD software (NX, SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) for 3D modeling, drawing creation, and system layout. Familiarity with eCAD software (Altium, Cadence, Allegro), and harness design software (Capital, Zuken) 
  • Experience working with electrical engineers to define PCB constraints, develop circuit cards, and care for all the mechanical interfaces 
  • 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 S//SAR level security clearance desired.

    • Hardware pay context

    Based on 2,290 disclosed Hardware salaries on RoleSuite, the role pays a median of $136K/year, with most offers between $110K and $172K (10th–90th percentile: $92K–$208K).

    This posting lists $185K–$278K, above the $136K market median.

    See the full Hardware salary breakdown →
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