# Staff Engineer, Mechanical Design - Launch and Recovery Systems (R4573)
**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Dallas, TX
**Salary:** $137K-$205K
**Experience:** 7+ years
**Skills:** Solidworks, CATIA, Nx, FEA, Structural Analysis, Thermal Analysis, Fatigue Analysis, CAD, Mil-Std, Aerospace Gse
**Posted:** 2026-03-27
> Leads design, development, and testing of mechanical Ground Support Equipment (GSE) for AI-powered autonomous aircraft, including launch/recovery systems. Requires 7+ years in aerospace mechanical design, CAD expertise, and structural analysis for rugged, field-deployable systems.
## Job Description
## Responsibilities
- Design and develop mechanical systems for Ground Support Equipment (GSE), including power units, transport structures, launch & recovery systems, 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 GSE in field environments.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate GSE 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 GSE 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 GSE.
- Support flight test campaigns by providing engineering support for ground systems and test operations.

## Required Qualifications
- 7+ 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 ground support 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.

## 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).
**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/staff-engineer-mechanical-design-launch-and-recovery-systems-r4573-at-shield-ai-e61a12d1-2776-43ae-9e7f-ee5c1231bec4
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/staff-engineer-mechanical-design-launch-and-recovery-systems-r4573-at-shield-ai-e61a12d1-2776-43ae-9e7f-ee5c1231bec4