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SeniorFull-timeAPIAI
Salary Range
$166,632 - $249,948 /year
About the Role
Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Mechanical Test Engineer to lead the strategy, architecture, and execution of mechanical test systems for next-generation unmanned aircraft systems. This critical role ensures hardware qualification, validation, and sustainment through aggressive development timelines and real-world operational conditions. You will act as a technical authority for mechanical test and ground support systems.
Key Responsibilities
- →Own end-to-end mechanical test strategy for flight hardware including requirements definition, architecture, design, build, and lifecycle sustainment
- →Lead design and development of fixed and field-deployable test stands, fixtures, and ground support equipment
- →Drive structural, thermal, and fatigue analysis to validate designs for harsh military environments
- →Serve as technical decision-maker for mechanical test systems balancing performance, cost, schedule, and maintainability
- →Review and approve detailed CAD models, drawings, and specifications
- →Lead cross-functional design reviews advocating for testability and simplicity
- →Partner with suppliers and manufacturing teams for scalable production and sustainment
- →Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers
- →Support flight test and field operations including troubleshooting and on-site integration
Requirements
- ✓B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field
- ✓7-10+ years experience designing mechanical systems for aerospace, ground support equipment, or heavy industrial systems
- ✓Deep mastery of mechanical fundamentals including structural mechanics, materials, dynamics, and thermal behavior
- ✓Expert-level proficiency in CAD tools (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks) including complex assemblies and released drawings
- ✓Strong experience with structural analysis, material selection, and manufacturing processes for ruggedized systems
- ✓Hands-on experience designing test stands, fixtures, or support equipment for aerospace applications
- ✓Proficiency with FEA, thermal analysis, and fatigue/lifecycle testing
- ✓Proven ability to operate in fast-paced, ambiguous environments owning problems from concept through execution
- ✓Demonstrated history of high ownership, strong judgment, and collaborative leadership
Benefits
- ★Competitive salary with bonus and equity
- ★Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and 401k
- ★Paid time off and professional development opportunities
