Lead Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Test (X-BAT)

About the role

Shield AI is a defense-tech company developing AI-powered autonomy software and aircraft systems, including the X-BAT aircraft. It is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Test to lead the design and development of mechanical test infrastructure that validates X-BAT hardware. The role owns the mechanical side of hardware testing, from concept through deployment, building test stands, fixtures and support equipment for engineering and production-level tests.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a team of mechanical engineers in designing, building and maintaining test stands and fixtures for subsystem, integration and qualification testing.
• Manage the team: work planning, technical direction, 1:1s, coaching, feedback and performance development.
• Own requirements gathering, concept development, detailed design and validation of test stands for X-BAT hardware and its subsystems.
• Design fixtures, tooling, structural support hardware and mechanical systems for engineering and production tests.
• Perform mechanical analyses such as hand calculations and FEA-informed assessments of strength, stiffness, thermal behavior, durability and safety.
• Apply industry standards such as GD&T, tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA, design reviews, release documentation and configuration discipline.
• Work with test, electrical, avionics, manufacturing and technician teams to deliver safe, repeatable and maintainable test hardware.
• Support fabrication and procurement with internal shops and external vendors, and drive troubleshooting and root-cause fixes.
• Build team processes, documentation habits and execution rhythms.

Required profile

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related STEM discipline; advanced degree a plus.
• Proven experience as a senior or lead mechanical engineer developing fixtures, tooling or test stands for aerospace, defense, robotics or similar complex hardware.
• Prior experience leading engineers and building high-performing teams, including mentoring and accountability.
• Strong mechanical design fundamentals, from analysis and detailed design through fabrication, assembly and checkout.
• Hands-on experience in lab, prototype or production environments.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work across disciplines.

Required skills

• CAD tools such as NX, SolidWorks or CATIA, with experience releasing drawings for manufacture.
• Familiarity with tolerance stack-up, materials selection, fastener design and load path evaluation.
• Preferred: ANSYS, Abaqus or Nastran; experience with propulsion or engine test equipment, environmental or qualification testing, and working with technicians and machine shops.