Staff Engineer, Mechanical Test (R5475)

Shield AI
Dallas, TX

Who this role is best for

Aimed at senior mechanical engineers with test automation and aerospace experience who can lead CAD design and collaborate across technical disciplines.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 8+ years of mechanical testing experience and advanced CAD skills in Siemens NX
    — “Advanced CAD skills in Siemens NX with experience designing test hardware and prototypes.”
  • Individuals who have worked with hydraulic systems and sensor instrumentation in product development
    — “Strong working knowledge of hydraulic systems and their control/measurement.”
  • Professionals with a background in aerospace structures and dynamics testing
    — “Subject Matter Expert in aerospace structures and dynamics test environments.”

Things to consider

  • Security clearance is a desired but not mandatory requirement, which may affect eligibility
    — “Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with sensor calibration and integration in test environments
    — “Experience with sensor selection, integration, and calibration in test environments.”
  • Showcase leadership in CAD design for custom test equipment and prototypes
    — “Lead CAD design of custom test equipment, prototypes, fixtures, and components.”
  • Emphasize proficiency in Python for test automation and data analysis
    — “Proficiency in Python for scripting, test automation, and data analysis.”
  • Demonstrate ability to analyze test data and generate technical reports with design feedback
    — “Analyze test data, troubleshoot system behaviors, and generate detailed technical reports with design feedback.”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Senior

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • develop and execute test plans
  • design and operate test fixtures
  • integrate and calibrate sensors
  • analyze test data
Typical background
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field8+ years of experience in mechanical testing or product development

Skills & requirements

Required

Mechanical TestingSensor IntegrationPython ScriptingCAD DesignFinite Element Analysis

Preferred

MTS Or Moog Aerospace Software Suite ExperienceAerospace Structures And Dynamics Test Environments

Stack & domain

Hydraulic SystemsSensor IntegrationPython ScriptingCAD DesignFinite Element AnalysisProblem-solvingTeamworkMechanical EngineeringAerospace

About the role

Original posting from Shield AI via Lever

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 independently and in team settings.

Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred qualifications::

Experience running the MTS or Moog Aerospace software suite

Subject Matter Expert in aerospace structures and dynamics test environments.

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.

Source: Shield AI careers (Lever)

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