Senior Staff Engineer, Mechanical Test (R4413)

The role

This role designs, builds and tests mechanical test fixtures, systems and prototypes for next-generation aircraft. The work covers test plans, hydraulic and sensor instrumentation, Python test automation, data analysis and CAD design.

What you will do

• Develop and execute test plans to validate mechanical performance, structural integrity and environmental durability.
• Design, build and operate test fixtures and systems with hydraulic actuation, mechanical linkages and sensor instrumentation.
• Integrate and calibrate sensors such as load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges and accelerometers.
• Create and maintain Python scripts for automation, signal processing and result visualization.
• Analyze test data, troubleshoot system behaviors and write detailed technical reports with design feedback.
• Collaborate with mechanical design, systems and electrical engineering teams on test requirements and test campaigns.
• Lead CAD design of custom test equipment, prototypes, fixtures and components.
• Perform Finite Element Analysis and correlate results with test data.
• Work with metallic and composite materials in design, fabrication and testing.
• Support lab safety protocols, equipment maintenance and improvement of test capabilities.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in mechanical testing or product development.
• Strong working knowledge of hydraulic systems and their control and measurement.
• Experience with sensor selection, integration and calibration in test environments.
• Proficiency in Python for scripting, test automation and data analysis.
• Advanced CAD skills in Siemens NX, with experience designing test hardware and prototypes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and in teams.

Nice to have

• Hands-on experience with MIL-STD testing (e.g., MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461), including vibration, shock, thermal and EMI/EMC testing.
• Subject matter expertise in aerospace structures and dynamics test environments.
• Ability to obtain an S//SAR security clearance.

Benefits

• Full-time regular employees: bonus, benefits and equity, in addition to pay.
• Temporary employees: temporary benefits package, applicable after 60 days of employment.
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.

Before you apply

• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
• An S//SAR security clearance is desired.

About the company

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