Staff Engineer – Mechanical Test

About the role

Do you enjoy working in a dynamic lab environment and contributing to the safety of service members and civilians? At Shield AI you will help design the next‑generation aircraft by providing mechanical performance data and analysis. The Mechanical Test team quantifies product performance using custom measurement tools and specialized analysis.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute test plans to validate mechanical performance, structural integrity, and environmental durability.
• Design, build, and operate test fixtures with hydraulic actuation, mechanical linkages, and sensor instrumentation.
• Integrate and calibrate sensors such as load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges, and accelerometers.
• Create and maintain Python scripts for automation, signal processing, and result visualization.
• Analyze test data, troubleshoot system behavior, and generate detailed technical reports with design feedback.
• Lead CAD design of custom test equipment, prototypes, and fixtures ensuring manufacturability and safety.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in mechanical testing or product development environments.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulic systems and their control/measurement.
• Experience with sensor selection, integration, and calibration.
• Proficiency in Python for scripting, test automation, and data analysis.
• Advanced CAD skills in Siemens NX for designing test hardware and prototypes.
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and ability to work independently and in teams.
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance (desired).

Required skills

• Hydraulic systems
• Sensor integration and calibration
• Python scripting for test automation and data analysis
• Siemens NX CAD
• Finite Element Analysis
• MTS or Moog Aerospace software (preferred)
• Metallic and composite material handling