Senior Component Engineer

Job Description:

Shield AI is redefining autonomous aviation with cutting-edge AI and GPS/RF-denied navigation technologies. Now, we’re building our next-generation aircraft, XBAT, that will push the boundaries of innovation and performance.

As one of the first Component Engineers at Shield AI, you'll be a foundational hire building the function from the ground up — defining process, tooling, and standards, not just executing an existing playbook. You'll guide component selection and own the qualification and lifecycle management of piece-part Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) components across our aircraft PCBAs — driving decisions that reduce risk, control cost, and ensure long-term product reliability and survivability. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, supply chain and reliability.

What you'll do:

Establish and scale Component Engineering processes, tools, and standards as one of the function's first dedicated hires

Define baseline quality and certification requirements for EEE components across the XBAT aircraft

Qualify and up-screen EEE components for use in aerospace applications, driving environmental and bench-top testing.

Own component data and governance in PLM and the ECAD part library, including lifecycle status and approved vendor list

Contribute to component failure analysis and root cause efforts

Monitor and assess PCNs and lifecycle changes (NRND/EOL), and drive mitigation actions

Support supply chain with alternate part evaluations and second-sourcing strategies

Engage directly with suppliers to resolve technical questions

Required qualifications:

B.S. in an engineering, physics or materials science

5+ years of relevant experience

Deep knowledge of EEE components

Understanding of Product Lifecycle Management, ECAD tools and structured component libraries

Strong judgment in balancing performance, cost and supply chain risk

Demonstrated ability to lead technical discussions and influence design decisions across engineering, supply chain, and program teams — including in ambiguous, fast-moving environments without an established playbook

Preferred qualifications:

Experience building or scaling a component engineering function in a startup or fast-growth environment

Familiar with industry-standard component qualification process (AEC-Q, NASA, JEDEC, MIL, etc)

Knowledge of electrical component manufacturing processes and common failure modes

Experience writing specifications/standards for internal company distribution