Mechanical Engineering Intern - 2026 Summer Intern at Shield AI

Dallas, Texas, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

InternshipExperience Level

InternshipJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, Defense, Autonomous SystemsIndustries

Requirements

Undergraduate, graduate, or PhD student expected to graduate in December 2026 or Spring 2027
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 (e.g., internship, job, club, team, personal project)
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
Must be available to start on either June 1st or June 22nd
Preferred qualifications
Experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, NX, CATIA (NX preferred)
Ability to rapidly manufacture designs in a machine shop
Experience working with internal combustion engines (e.g., design, tuning, assembly)
Familiarity with designing mechanical tooling or test fixtures
Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and ability to innovate under pressure

Responsibilities

Own requirements gathering, design, and validation of multiple test stands used to test components and subsystems on 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

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Mechanical DesignCADRequirements GatheringPrototypingTestingTest FixturesTooling DesignUAVAeronautical Components

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Is this internship paid?

Yes, the 10-week summer internship program is paid.

What is the duration of the internship?

The internship is a 10-week program for the 2026 summer.

What are the required qualifications for this Mechanical Engineering Intern role?

Candidates must be undergraduate, graduate, or PhD students graduating in Dec 2026 or Spring 2027, pursuing a Mechanical Engineering or related STEM degree, with strong fundamental engineering knowledge, multidisciplinary hardware project experience, great communication, and a demonstrated history of ownership and high standards.

What is the company culture like at Shield AI?

Shield AI offers an innovative and mission-driven culture in a high-growth tech unicorn, with hands-on mentorship, cross-functional teamwork, company-sponsored events, and emphasis on ownership, high standards, trustworthiness, and kindness.

What makes a strong candidate for this internship?

Strong candidates demonstrate ownership of project outcomes, deliver exceptional results, have multidisciplinary hardware development experience, and show qualities like hard work, trustworthiness, high standards, and kindness.

Shield AI

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

About Shield AI

Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems specifically for the defense industry. The company develops AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communication may not be available. This technology allows for safer and more efficient defense operations. Shield AI differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on advanced AI capabilities and securing significant contracts with government and military clients, such as the multi-billion dollar EWAAC contract. The company's goal is to enhance operational capabilities and safety in military contexts, ultimately aiming to protect lives through its innovative solutions.

San Diego, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2015Year Founded

$772.8MTotal Funding

DEBTCompany Stage

AI & Machine Learning, DefenseIndustries

501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Medical Insurance Coverage

Long Term Disability Insurance

Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA

Employee Assistance Program

Subsidized Gym Membership

Pet Insurance

Competitive Compensation

Retirement Services

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Bereavement Support

Flexible Work Hours

PTO

Paid Holidays

Commuter Benefits

Relaxed Dress Code

Yearly Swag Items

Unlimited Snacks

Bottomless Beverages

Annual Celebrations

Work From Home Benefits

Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors

Risks

Increased competition from companies like Waymo could divert investment from Shield AI.

Geopolitical tensions may challenge the JSW Defence partnership for V-BAT production in India.

Dependency on Palantir's infrastructure may limit Shield AI's operational flexibility.

Differentiation

Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI pilot deployed in combat since 2018.

Strategic partnerships with Palantir and JSW Defence enhance technological capabilities and market reach.

Shield AI's V-BAT drone is selected for a $198 million U.S. Coast Guard contract.

Upsides

Increased demand for autonomous systems in defense boosts Shield AI's market potential.

Successful multi-aircraft autonomous flight tests showcase advanced AI piloting capabilities.

Significant investment in robotics indicates a robust market for Shield AI's offerings.

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