Director, Avionics Mechanical Engineering

Seattle, Washingtonfull time

On Site

senior

H1B: no

Shield Director of Avionics Mechanical Engineering at Shield AI leads mechanical, thermal, and harnessing design for X-BAT aircraft and ground equipment. Responsible for technical strategy, organizational structure, and delivery of flight-critical electro-mechanical hardware from concept through production.

Responsibilities

Own the technical vision, strategy, and roadmap for mechanical, thermal, and EWIS engineering across X-BAT flight and ground avionics
Build and scale a multi-team organization: hire and develop managers and technical leads, define org structure, and plan headcount to meet near- and long-term program goals
Be accountable for your organization's delivery of complex electro-mechanical hardware that survives harsh environments, from architecture through qualification and production
Set engineering standards, design review practices, and processes for thermal, mechanical, and harness design of flight-critical avionics
Serve as the final technical authority on key mechanical and thermal architecture tradeoffs, and escalate risk to program leadership with clear recommendations
Partner with electrical engineering, RF, PCB design, reliability, structures, supply chain, and manufacturing leaders to drive full-scope product delivery
Own organizational planning inputs, including resourcing, schedule commitments, supplier and contract manufacturer strategy, and make-vs-buy decisions
Build a culture of extreme ownership, technical rigor, and accountability
You won't design as an individual contributor. You must have done that work earlier in your career so you can establish what "right" looks like across the organization.

Qualification

5+ years of people leadershipExperience setting engineering strategyAbility to operate in a fast-pacedA demonstrated record of working hardExperience with DO-160Degree in MechanicalTemporary employee offer package

Required

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
15+ years of experience in mechanical design around electronics and electrical systems, including significant early-career, hands-on design of enclosures, thermal solutions, and harness integration
5+ years of people leadership, including managing managers or leading multiple engineering teams
Proven record of building and scaling engineering teams through rapid growth
Record of delivering complex avionics or electro-mechanical hardware from concept through production
Deep technical fluency in avionics packaging, FEA, thermal analysis, and fatigue and lifecycle testing
Experience setting engineering strategy, standards, and processes across an organization
Experience managing relationships with fabrication shops, contract manufacturers, and key suppliers
Ability to operate in a fast-paced, agile environment with shifting priorities
A demonstrated record of working hard, being trustworthy, holding yourself to high standards, and being kind to others
Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance

Preferred

Experience leading hardware teams on aircraft, spacecraft, launch vehicles, or defense platforms
Background in high-rate hardware production, such as satellites, EV power electronics, or autonomous vehicles
Experience with DO-160, MIL-STD-810, or similar environmental qualification standards
Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or equivalent Engineering
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)