Mechanical Engineering Intern - 2025 Summer Intern

Introduction to Shield AIFounded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown a fighter jet (F-16), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (V-BAT), and a quadcopter (Nova). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies.

Job Description:Our 2025 Summer Internship program is a wonderful opportunity for rising 2026 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!

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.

10 Week Project Scope & Description:

• 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.

Required qualifications:

• You are an undergraduate, graduate or PhD student expected to graduate in December 2025 or Spring 2026.
• 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