Propulsion Engineering Intern - 2026 Summer Intern (X-BAT) at Shield AI

Dallas, Texas, United States

Shield AI Logo
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
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD
  • Experience creating 2D drawings and tolerance analysis
  • Working knowledge of FEA principles
  • Demonstration of mechanical aptitude
  • 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
  • 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 (design, tuning, and/or assembly)
  • Familiarity with designing mechanical tooling or test fixtures
  • Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and ability to innovate under pressure

Responsibilities

  • Assist in the overall design, analysis, documentation, and functional validation of mechanical components and assemblies
  • Perform tolerance analysis
  • 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
  • Conduct tests to validate the robustness and proper performance of mechanical 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

Mechanical Design
CAD
Tolerance Analysis
Prototyping
Testing
Design Documentation
Functional Validation
Tooling Design
UAV Development

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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