Senior Mechanical Engineer Hardware Test - X-BAT (R5271)

What you'll do:

Design and develop mechanical test fixtures test stands environmental test hardware and integration tooling to support verification and validation activities.
Create detailed CAD models engineering drawings assembly instructions and manufacturing documentation.
Support qualification reliability environmental vibration thermal and endurance testing of X-BAT hardware.
Design systems that interface with aircraft structures avionics batteries propulsion systems payloads and electromechanical assemblies.
Perform engineering analyses including structural thermal and fatigue assessments to ensure safe and reliable operation of test equipment.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define test requirements and develop effective test solutions.
Support root-cause investigations and failure analysis efforts by developing troubleshooting fixtures and diagnostic hardware.
Work with machine shops vendors and manufacturing partners to fabricate and assemble test equipment.
Assist with laboratory setup equipment integration and maintenance of test infrastructure.
Contribute to design reviews and advocate for design improvements that simplify testing and increase hardware reliability.
Support continuous improvement efforts focused on safety test efficiency repeatability and scalability.

Required qualifications:

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
5+ years of experience designing mechanical systems test equipment aerospace hardware or electromechanical systems.
Proficiency with CAD software such as NX SolidWorks CATIA Creo or similar.
Experience creating engineering drawings and releasing designs for fabrication and assembly.
Strong understanding of mechanical design fundamentals materials manufacturing processes GD&T and tolerance analysis.
Experience designing fixtures tooling test stands or ground support equipment.
Hands-on experience building integrating and troubleshooting mechanical or electromechanical systems.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently on moderately complex projects.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced development environment with evolving priorities.

Preferred qualifications:

Experience supporting aerospace defense robotics automotive or autonomous systems programs.
Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as ANSYS Abaqus or Nastran.
Familiarity with environmental vibration thermal and durability testing methods.
Experience working with instrumentation sensors data acquisition systems and laboratory equipment.
Familiarity with aerospace qualification standards such as MIL-STD-810 DO-160 or equivalent.
Experience designing field-deployable or ruggedized test equipment.

Why this role matters:

The Hardware Test team plays a critical role in ensuring X-BAT hardware performs reliably in demanding operational environments. The test systems and infrastructure you develop will directly support the validation qualification and sustainment of mission-critical autonomous aircraft systems.

What We Do

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 offices and facilities across the U.S. Europe the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.

Why Work With Us

What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software AI and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.

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