Propulsion Engineering Intern - 2026 Summer Intern (X-BAT)

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the 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. 

Job Description:

Our 2026 Summer Internship program is a wonderful opportunity for rising 2027 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.

• Work on real projects, meaningful and interesting work, with a mentor to guide you.
• Have a great learning experience with a humble, inspiring team.
• Help solve problems during development of next generation products.
• 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.

• You are an 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, 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.

• 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

Intern Program Dates:

June 1st - Aug 7th

OR

June 22nd - Aug 28th

*You MUST be available to start on EITHER June 1st or June 22nd.

#intern

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.