What does $187K–$281K take home in Washington State? See after-tax pay →
Typical hardware engineer pay at startups: $168K median, middle half $146K–$190K (694 posted ranges).
Typical design pay at Shield AI: $150K–$230K — median of 36 listed ranges.
Across all startups we track: $162K–$229K for design roles (580 listed ranges).
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:
As the Battery system mechanical lead, you will be responsible for all mechanical aspects of battery systems for X-BAT, the Launch and Recovery Vehicle, and ground equipment. This includes battery enclosure design, internal cell packaging and interconnection, qualification, integration, and release to manufacturing.
You will help us build a team of world-class engineers to support all design needs. A vertically integrated battery pack design will enable top performance, ease of integration, reliability, and rapid supply chain procurement. If you enjoy working cross-functionally and solving hard problems, please apply!
Define mechanical specifications and execute the battery system external enclosure, thermal management and environmental protection for X-BAT, and the ground Launch and Recovery Vehicle.
Drive optimal performance while managing size, weight, DFM, safety, and reliability
Hands-on prototyping, testing, qualification, and handoff to production
Define assembly drawings, designing for tolerance, assembly, and serviceability
Ensure system performance and reliability are met through rigorous system-level shock, vibration, ingress, and thermal verification
Investigate root-cause for the mechanical package, environmental, manufacturing, etc.
Support design reviews, drive execution of assigned engineering deliverables in support of program objectives
Work in a fast-paced environment
You have a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
Aerospace enclosure design experience on large aircraft, or an equivalent system (rocket, satellite, submarine, automotive, etc.)
5+ years relevant experience
Have delivered aerospace systems to market
Proficient with mechanical engineering development tools, simulation, and test equipment
Strong technical fundamentals and analysis
From Shield AI's careers page. First seen Sep 24, 2026, last verified Oct 25, 2026.
Open roles: 667, up 133 (+25%) over the last 30 days.