Summer 2027 - Mechanical Engineering Intern
Other Engineering · Intern
Seattle, WA, USA · Dallas, TX, USA
Posted on Sep 22, 2026
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.
Our Summer Internship program is a wonderful opportunity for Fall and Spring graduates to immerse themselves in an innovative and mission driven culture. Our 10-week paid internship program will provide you with hands on mentorship, an opportunity to add real contribution to our company via your internship project, and a possible job offer at the end. You will have the chance to make lifelong friendships, expand your network, and learn all about what it's like to work in a high-growth, fast scaling tech unicorn. You'll take part in company sponsored events and enjoy exploring a new city. Read on below to learn more about this unique internship!
Job Description:
The mechanical engineering team is responsible for mechanical design and development projects for Shield AI's autonomous UAV products. We follow a rigorous design process, as we innovate, prototype, test, and release creative design solutions. We work with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful development and launch of new products.
Intern Project Scope & Description:
- Own requirements gathering, design, and validation of multiple test stands used to test components and subsystems on X-BAT or V-BAT
- Design tooling to hold devices-under-test (DUTs) during environmental testing.
- Design test stands and test fixtures that interface with engines, electric motors, circuit boards, and various other aeronautical components.
- Specify facilities requirements (electrical, plumbing, etc…) for environmental test chambers.
- Contribute to and attend cross-functional design reviews. Advocate for design changes that result in simpler testing processes.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required qualifications:
- You are an undergraduate, graduate or PhD student pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field.
- Strong understanding of fundamental engineering concepts, including EE, Mech E, Programming, Physics, and Mathematics.
- Experience working on multidisciplinary hardware development projects, which can be from an internship, job, club, team, personal project, etc.
- Great written and verbal communication.
- Demonstrated history of showing ownership of project outcomes and delivering exceptional results.
- Record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, etc… (NX preferred).
- Ability to rapidly manufacture your designs in a machine shop.
- Experience working with internal combustion engines. This could be in design, tuning, and/or assembly.
- Familiarity with designing mechanical tooling or test fixtures.
- Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and the ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful
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Shield AI is proud to offer competitive pay and a housing stipend for qualified hires. While our People Experience team provides resources and assistance, interns are responsible to find their own housing and travel to and from their office location.
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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.
38 - 65 USD
$38- $65 an hour - Your salary will be determined by academic level.
Pay is just one part of your total rewards package at Shield AI. You may also be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs. As an intern, you will receive the opportunity to attend presentations from company leaders, social and networking events, as well as mentorship from current Shield AI Engineers. Interns are also eligible for paid company holidays.