Staff Engineer, Mechanical Test (R5475)

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and 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.

What you'll do:: Develop and execute test plans to validate mechanical performance, structural integrity, and environmental durability from start to finish. Design, build, and operate test fixtures and systems involving hydraulic actuation, mechanical linkages, and sensor instrumentation. Integrate and calibrate a range of sensors (e.g., load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges, accelerometers) into test setups for accurate data collection. Create and maintain python scripts to provide automation, signal processing, and result visualization. Analyze test data, troubleshoot system behaviors, and generate detailed technical reports with design feedback. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical design, systems, and electrical engineering to define test requirements, run test campaigns and deliver high quality results. Lead CAD design of custom test equipment, prototypes, fixtures, and components, ensuring manufacturability and safety. Perform Finite Element Analysis to simulate mechanical performance, validate design assumptions, and correlate analytical results with test data. Work with metallic/composite materials in the design, fabrication, and testing of mechanical components, with consideration for their unique properties such as anisotropy, delamination risk, and layup configuration. Support lab safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and continuous improvement of test capabilities. Required qualifications:: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field. 8+ years of experience in mechanical testing or product development environments. Strong working knowledge of hydraulic systems and their control/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