Summer 2027 - Mechanical Engineering Intern

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