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
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Job Description:
Are you a passionate and innovative product design engineer looking to help develop state-of-the-art AI and aircraft products? Are you eager to make a positive difference in the world? Do you want to work alongside mission driven and values focused teammates? Shield AI is just the place for you!
As a Principal Landing Gear Engineer, you will be responsible for contributing to the mechanical design and development of Shield AI's autonomous UAV products. You will help architect landing gear on next generation unmanned aerial platforms, perform the detailed design of landing gear, doors and related mechanisms, and will use best in class design and analysis tools. You will collaborate closely with internal and/or external partners to prototype, test and release products to production. You will also help ensure product features achieve performance, schedule and reliability goals.
What you'll do:
Design electro-mechanical or hydro-mechanical landing gear for autonomous aircraft
Own the full design process: concept, CAD design, analysis, tolerance stackups, material selection, and drawing release
Perform structural and kinematic calculations and preliminary FEA
Prototype, test, and iterate mechanism designs for functionality and reliability
Collaborate with electrical, avionics, hydraulics, and structures teams
Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing
Required qualifications:
B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
7+ years in mechanical or mechanism design
Strong CAD skills (NX preferred)
Experience with UAVs, aircraft, rotorcraft, or other landable air systems
Kinematic analysis and optimization of retractable landing gear systems
Knowledge of tire, wheel, and brake selection along with brake control systems
Familiarity with nose wheel steering systems
Structural analysis utilizing hand calculations and finite element methods
FEA analysis: Modal, non-linear and linear, buckling, fatigue
GD&T and tolerance stack-ups for mechanical systems
Materials selection inclusive of alloys, heat treatments, allowables, and finishes
Ability to work independently in fast-paced, cross-functional teams
Preferred qualifications:
Familiarity with electro-mechanical actuators
Proficiency in FMEA, DOE, and root cause analysis
Hands-on machine shop or mechanic experience (professional or hobby)
RTCA DO-160, MIL-STD-810, structural, actuated mechanism, or AS6053 drop testing experience
Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments
