Senior Staff Engineer, Structures - Launch Recovery Vehicle (R4765)
On-site Seattle Senior Engineering Leadership
At a glance
Senior Engineering Leadership role at Shield AI. Seattle · $200,000–$300,000 base.
SalaryStated by Shield AI
$200,000 – $300,000
Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.
This role, from Shield AIOur estimate for the market: $215,000–$255,000Median $230,000
The range includes the market median of $230,000 for senior engineering leadership roles in Seattle.
Worked out from 42 postings that stated pay, median $230,000. Last updated Oct 23, 2026.
RoleEngineering Leadership
SenioritySenior
LocationSeattle
WorkplaceOn-site
Base pay$200,000–$300,000
PostedApr 7, 2026 · 6mo ago
Role brief
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Design the launch-and-recovery equipment, from power units and transport structures to maintenance tools
- Produce CAD models, engineering drawings and specifications that guide manufacturing and assembly
- Check launcher strength, heat performance and fatigue life for demanding field conditions
- Run design trade-offs, then oversee prototypes and tests to improve portability, ruggedness and upkeep
- Coordinate integration and flight-test support, and prepare procedures and manuals for field crews
What you bring
- At least ten years designing mechanical systems for aerospace, ground-support equipment or heavy industry
- You can use CAD tools such as SolidWorks, CATIA or NX to model systems and produce drawings
- You bring structural-analysis, materials and manufacturing knowledge for rugged equipment, plus FEA, thermal and fatigue-testing experience
- You have designed aerospace support equipment built for transport, deployment and field use, and know MIL-STD design requirements
Who this fits
This senior engineering role suits someone who can lead structural design work while partnering with manufacturing, engineering and flight operations teams. It is based on-site in Seattle. The role involves supporting flight-test campaigns and field operations. A security clearance is desired, with active Secret or Top Secret status or the ability to obtain one listed as preferred.
From the employer
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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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.
We are seeking a Structures Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and testing of a novel launch and recovery system for our next gen UAS. This role is instrumental in creating robust, field-deployable support systems that enable aircraft operations, maintenance, and sustainment in military environments.
This position requires deep expertise in mechanical design, structural analysis, and aerospace ground systems. You will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations teams to develop innovative support solutions that enhance mission effectiveness and operational efficiency.
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 but not limited to 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. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information. ### 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.
Job Description:
Shield AI is pioneering the development of AI-powered autonomous aircraft for national defense, pushing the boundaries of aerospace innovation. Our next gen UAS is a next-generation, high-endurance unmanned system designed for deployment in complex, contested environments.We are seeking a Structures Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and testing of a novel launch and recovery system for our next gen UAS. This role is instrumental in creating robust, field-deployable support systems that enable aircraft operations, maintenance, and sustainment in military environments.
This position requires deep expertise in mechanical design, structural analysis, and aerospace ground systems. You will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations teams to develop innovative support solutions that enhance mission effectiveness and operational efficiency.
What you'll do:
- Design and develop mechanical systems for a Launch and Recovery System, including power units, transport structures, launch & recovery functions, and maintenance tools.
- Create detailed CAD models, drawings, and specifications for manufacturing and assembly.
- Conduct structural, thermal, and fatigue analysis to ensure durability and reliability of launcher systems in field environments.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate launcher with aircraft systems and mission operations.
- Perform trade studies and system optimization to enhance portability, ruggedness, and maintainability of support systems.
- Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of launcher designs to meet military and aviation standards.
- Develop technical documentation, test procedures, and support manuals for field operations.
- Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure cost-effective production and sustainment of launcher system.
- Support flight test campaigns by providing engineering support for ground and test operations.
Required qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in mechanical design for aerospace, ground support equipment, or heavy industrial systems.
- Expertise in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar) for 3D modeling, drawing creation, and system layout.
- Strong background in structural analysis, material selection, and manufacturing processes for ruggedized systems.
- Experience designing deployable, transportable, and field-ready aerospace support equipment.
- Knowledge of MIL-STD design requirements for aerospace systems.
- Experience with finite element analysis (FEA), thermal analysis, and fatigue/lifecycle testing.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile development environment with evolving priorities.
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience designing UAS or military aircraft ground support equipment.
- Knowledge of power distribution, hydraulics, and environmental control systems for aerospace applications.
- Experience with DoD acquisition, sustainment, and field deployment strategies.
- Prior experience supporting military aircraft maintenance and sustainment operations.
- Active Secret or Top Secret clearance (or ability to obtain one).
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 but not limited to 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. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information. ### 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.
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