Engineer I, Mechanical Hardware Test

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.

Job Description:

Shield AI is pioneering the development of AI-powered autonomous aircraft for national defense, pushing the boundaries of aerospace innovation. Our next-generation UAS is a high-endurance unmanned system designed for deployment in complex, contested environments.

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer I to support the design, development, and testing of flight hardware and mechanical test systems. In this entry-level role, you will work alongside experienced engineers to develop fixed and field-deployable solutions for hardware qualification, environmental testing, stress testing, and sustainment.

You will gain hands-on experience in mechanical design, structural analysis, and aerospace test systems while collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations teams.

What you'll do:

• Support the design, analysis, fabrication, and assembly of mechanical and structural systems.
• Create and revise CAD models, engineering drawings, and manufacturing specifications.
• Assist in designing structural and electromechanical test stands and fixtures for aeronautical components.
• Participate in prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, and design validation.
• Perform structural, thermal, and fatigue assessments with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Develop test procedures, document results, and communicate findings.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute ideas that improve reliability, manufacturability, and testability.
• Support coordination with manufacturing teams and suppliers during fabrication and assembly.
• Apply engineering fundamentals to hands-on technical problems in laboratory, shop, and field environments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related STEM field.
• 0–2 years of relevant experience; internships, co-ops, research, and substantial academic projects may count toward this requirement.
• Foundational knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, physics, and mathematics.
• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings, material selection, structural analysis, and common manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience building, testing, or troubleshooting mechanical systems.
• Ability to organize technical work, document results, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced development environment with evolving priorities.
• Record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself to high standards, and being kind to others.

Preferred qualifications:

• Internship, co-op, research, or project experience in aerospace, robotics, automotive, test engineering, or a related field.
• Familiarity with finite element analysis, thermal analysis, or fatigue and lifecycle testing.
• Experience designing or testing aerospace structures, test fixtures, or ground support equipment.
• Experience using machine-shop tools or rapid-prototyping methods.
• Exposure to instrumentation, sensors, data-acquisition systems, or electromechanical systems.
• Familiarity with hydraulics, nondestructive evaluation or testing, or aerospace testing practices.

$98,000 - $140,000 a year

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Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.