Senior Staff Engineer, Weapons Physical Integration (R6364)

Shield AI
Shield AI

Full-time,

Seattle, WA, USA

USD 170k-260k / year + Equity

Posted on Oct 21, 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.

Job Description:

Job Description: Be the expert on integrating weapons an payloads on our aircraft. Using best practices and MIL-STD-1289 to drive the designs for integrating weapons and stores to a weapons bay and designs for external Pylons

What you'll do:

  • Combine and collaborate with aircraft design teams to perform mechanical weapons integration activities
  • Design pylons and fittings
  • Work across analysis teams to iterate designs
  • Support design reviews and report on accomplishments of the design process
  • Support integration and test efforts including ground and flight tests
  • Be the go to person on weapons and payloads physical integration to X Bat

Required qualifications:

  • Strong CAD skills (NX preferred)
  • B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
  • 10+ years in mechanical or mechanism design
  • Familiarity with Bomb rack Units/Assemblies (BRA/BRU) and Launcher Assembly Units (LAU)
  • Knowledge of Pneumatic power systems for military aircraft uses
  • Demonstrated Experience in designing suspension and release mounting fixtures and fittings
  • Demonstrated experience in weapon pylon
  • Ability to design
  • Ability to work independently in fast-paced, cross-functional teams and across functional organizations
  • 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

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience with UAVs, aircraft, or robotic systems
  • Familiarity with electro-mechanical actuators
  • Hands-on machine shop or mechanic experience (professional or hobby)
  • Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments
#LI-MS1
#LE
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.
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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.

170000 - 260000 USD a year

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