Lead Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Test (X-BAT)

The role

You will lead a team of mechanical engineers who design, build and maintain test stands and fixtures for X-BAT aircraft hardware. You will own the mechanical side of hardware testing, from concept through deployment, and manage the team's work and development.

What you will do

• Lead a team of mechanical engineers in designing, building and maintaining X-BAT test stands and fixtures.
• Lead people tasks: work planning, technical direction, 1:1s, coaching, feedback and performance development.
• Own requirements, concept development, detailed design and validation of multiple test stands.
• Design fixtures, tooling, structural support and mechanical systems for engineering and production tests.
• Perform mechanical analyses such as hand calculations and FEA-informed assessments.
• Apply GD&T, tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA, design reviews and release documentation.
• Work with test, electrical, avionics, manufacturing and technician teams to integrate test hardware.
• Support fabrication with internal shops and external vendors to release, procure and assemble hardware.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause investigations and implement design improvements.
• Build team processes, documentation habits and execution rhythms.

Required qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related STEM discipline.
• Proven experience as a senior or lead mechanical engineer developing fixtures, tooling or test stands for aerospace, defense, robotics or other complex hardware.
• Prior experience leading engineers and building high-performing teams, including mentoring and driving accountability.
• Strong mechanical design fundamentals: concept through analysis, design, fabrication, assembly and checkout.
• Proficiency with CAD tools such as NX, SolidWorks or CATIA, and experience releasing drawings for manufacture.
• Familiarity with tolerance stack-up, materials selection, fastener design, load path evaluation and safe machine/fixture design.
• Hands-on experience in lab, prototype or production environments.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work across disciplines.
• Demonstrated ownership, strong work ethic and a track record of improving processes and delivering under schedule pressure.

Nice to have

• Advanced degree.
• Experience with propulsion or engine-related test equipment, high-load structural fixtures or complex aerospace ground test systems.
• Familiarity with environmental or qualification testing and facility interfaces such as mounting, cooling, plumbing or instrumentation.
• Experience with ANSYS, Abaqus or Nastran analysis tools.
• Comfort working directly with technicians, machine shops and test operators.
• Ability to operate in a fast-moving program where priorities evolve.

Benefits

• Bonus.
• Equity (full-time regular employees).
• Benefits (full-time regular employees).
• Temporary benefits package, applicable after 60 days of employment (temporary employees).

Before you apply

• All offers are contingent on a cleared background check and possible reference check.
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that develops AI-powered autonomy software and aircraft systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind, V-BAT, X-BAT and Aechelon simulation technologies.