Join a high-impact mechanical test team developing next-generation aircraft that support the safety of service members and civilians. In this role, you'll help evaluate mechanical systems through hands-on testing, data collection, and analysis while working alongside experienced engineers to improve product performance and reliability.
We are seeking an entry-level Structures / Mechanical Test Engineer with a strong mechanical engineering foundation and interest in structural testing, instrumentation, hydraulic systems, CAD, and automation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build experience designing test equipment, executing mechanical tests, and contributing to hardware development in a fast-paced aerospace environment.
What you'll do:
- Support the design, assembly, and operation of mechanical test fixtures and systems involving hydraulic actuation, mechanical linkages, and sensor instrumentation.
- Assist with hydraulic system integration, setup, and troubleshooting under the guidance of senior engineers.
- Execute mechanical, structural, and environmental test plans while ensuring accurate and repeatable data collection.
- Install, wire, and calibrate sensors including load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges, accelerometers, and displacement sensors.
- Develop and maintain Python scripts to support test automation, data processing, and visualization.
- Analyze test results, investigate unexpected behaviors, and document findings in clear technical reports.
- Collaborate with mechanical, systems, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to support product development and validation.
- Design simple test fixtures, adapters, and components using CAD while learning best practices for manufacturability and safety.
- Support Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to compare analytical predictions with physical test results.
- Assist with fabrication, assembly, and testing of metallic and composite components.
- Help maintain laboratory equipment, improve test processes, and contribute to a safe working environment.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- 0-2 years of professional experience in mechanical engineering, testing, product development, or a related field (internships, co-ops, research, or project experience are welcomed).
- Familiarity with CAD software such as Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar.
- Basic understanding of mechanical systems, structural mechanics, and engineering fundamentals.
- Exposure to Python or another programming language for data analysis or automation.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a willingness to learn new tools and technologies.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate in a team environment.
Preferred qualifications:
- Internship, research, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, robotics, capstone, or other hands-on engineering project experience involving mechanical testing or hardware development.
- Exposure to hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
- Familiarity with strain gauges, load cells, pressure sensors, or other instrumentation.
- Experience with laboratory testing, data acquisition systems, or experimental methods.
- Exposure to Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
- Experience working with composite materials through coursework, research, or project work.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline
- 0-2 years of professional experience in mechanical engineering, testing, product development, or related field (internships, co-ops, research, or project experience welcomed)
- Familiarity with CAD software such as Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar
- Basic understanding of mechanical systems, structural mechanics, and engineering fundamentals
- Exposure to Python or another programming language for data analysis or automation
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with willingness to learn
- Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate in a team environment
- Internship, research, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, robotics, capstone, or other hands-on engineering project experience involving mechanical testing or hardware development
- Exposure to hydraulic or pneumatic systems
- Familiarity with strain gauges, load cells, pressure sensors, or other instrumentation
- Experience with laboratory testing, data acquisition systems, or experimental methods
- Exposure to Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Experience working with composite materials through coursework, research, or project work
What the Team is Saying
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials describe excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside a mental‑health EAP. Site perks such as an onsite gym in DC and a gym discount in San Diego support a health‑focused offering.
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Retirement Support — Careers materials highlight a 401(k) with company match as part of the standard package. A Total Rewards overview emphasizes retirement features within a broader, transparent compensation view.
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Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Compensation for in‑demand technical and senior go‑to‑market roles is described as competitive, with visible engineering ranges and top‑end packages. This points to meaningful upside tied to role, level, and scarce skills.
Shield AI Insights
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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Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
