Staff Engineer, Landing Gear Systems

Job overview

The Staff Engineer, Landing Gear Systems role is onsite in Washington, DC. Pay is $171,456–$257,184 per year. The engineer supports a special access program at Shield AI, a defense-technology company developing intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. The engineer owns landing gear architecture, mechanism design, structural analysis, and vehicle integration, taking concepts through design, testing, and flight-ready delivery. The work contributes to rapid aircraft development and operational capability for the program.

What you'll do

• Lead landing gear architecture and trade studies
• own CAD design through drawing release
• perform structural and dynamic sizing and analysis
• select wheels, tires, brakes, shock absorption, actuators, and steering mechanisms
• develop specifications and manage suppliers
• define verification tests and support drop testing
• support assembly, taxi testing, and flight tests
• investigate anomalies and implement design changes.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

staff engineer

landing gear systems

washington dc

shield ai

aerospace engineering

aircraft systems

mechanism design

structural analysis

flight test support

active secret clearance

u.s. citizens only

$171,456–$257,184 per year

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Regular full-time employee package includes bonus, benefits, and equity
• medical, dental, and vision premiums fully paid
• paid time off
• 11 paid holidays
• 401(k) contribution
• training and tuition reimbursement.

Why this role

Requires U.S. citizenship and an active Secret or higher clearance, plus 7–12 years of relevant aerospace mechanism, landing gear, or primary structural experience. The listing identifies Staff (L4) or Senior Staff (L5) levels.

About the employer

Shield AI is hiring for this role. Industry: Engineering Services. Sector: 54.