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. 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 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 improvement of test capabilities. Required qualifications:
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.2+ years of professional experience in mechanical/fluids testingUnderstanding of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation) and fluid mechanics.Experienced with active and passive cooling solutions and their integration at component and system level.Proficiency with mechanical testing of large structures and ground vehiclesExperience with CAD design tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or similar.Demonstrated experience applying first-principles reasoning to complex engineering problems.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Proven ability to learn and adapt quickly to new tools, processes, and technical challenges in a fast paced, startup environment. Preferred qualifications:
Experience with UAVs, aircraft, or robotic systems for large ground vehiclesHands-on experience performing MIL-STD testing (e.g., MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461) including vibration, shock, thermal, and EMI/EMC testing.Subject Matter Expert in aerospace structures and dynamics test environments.Familiarity with electro-mechanical actuatorsHands-on machine shop or mechanic experience (professional or hobby)Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments