Shield AI · 2 weeks ago
Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Test (R4325)
Dallas, Texas
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$167K/yr - $250K/yr
7+ years expShield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on developing AI-powered autonomous aircraft for national defense. The Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer will lead mechanical test systems for flight hardware, ensuring qualification and validation through aggressive development timelines and real-world operational conditions.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
Responsibilities
Own the end-to-end mechanical test strategy for flight hardware, including requirements definition, architecture, design, build, and lifecycle sustainment of test systems
Lead the design and development of fixed and field-deployable test stands, fixtures, and ground support equipment interfacing with aircraft structures, propulsion systems, motors, avionics, and subsystems
Drive structural, thermal, and fatigue analysis to validate designs for harsh military environments, transportability, and repeated use
Serve as the technical decision-maker for mechanical test systems, balancing performance, cost, schedule, manufacturability, and maintainability
Review and approve detailed CAD models, drawings, and specifications; set standards for design quality, documentation, and configuration control
Lead and participate in cross-functional design reviews (PDR/CDR/TRR), advocating for testability, simplicity, and rapid learning
Partner with suppliers and manufacturing teams to ensure scalable, cost-effective production and long-term sustainment of test hardware
Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers, setting technical direction and raising the overall quality bar of the team
Support flight test and field operations, including rapid troubleshooting, test system modification, and on-site integration when required
Qualification
Required
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field
7–10+ years of experience designing mechanical systems for aerospace, ground support equipment, test infrastructure, 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, or equivalent), including complex assemblies and released drawings
Strong experience with structural analysis, material selection, and manufacturing processes for ruggedized, high-reliability systems
Hands-on experience designing test stands, fixtures, or support equipment for aerospace or similarly demanding applications
Proficiency with FEA, thermal analysis, and fatigue/lifecycle testing
Proven ability to operate in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment, owning problems from concept through execution
Demonstrated history of high ownership, strong judgment, and collaborative leadership
Preferred
Experience supporting UAS, aircraft, propulsion, or large aerospace-grade structures
Experience designing field-deployable or expeditionary test systems
Ability to rapidly prototype and manufacture designs in a machine shop or lab environment
Experience owning large-scale test or facilities projects from concept through deployment
Knowledge of hydraulics, NDE/NDT methods, and aerospace structural validation practices
Prior experience acting as a technical lead or subject-matter expert for test or ground systems
Benefits
Bonus
Benefits
Equity
Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Company
Shield AI
Shield AI is a deep-tech company that focuses on developing AI-powered systems to enhance the safety of service members and civilians.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Shield AI has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (3)
2021 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.31BKey Investors
Hercules CapitalUS Innovative Technology FundSnowpoint Ventures
2025-03-06Series F· $240M
2023-12-29Debt Financing· $200M
2023-10-31Series F· $300M
Leadership Team
Gary Steele
Chief Executive Officer
Brandon Tseng
Co-Founder
Recent News
Company data provided by crunchbase