Mechanical Engineer I, Hardware Test

About the role

Shield AI is developing AI-powered autonomous aircraft for national defense, including a high-endurance unmanned system for complex, contested environments. It is looking for a Mechanical Engineer I to support the design, development and testing of flight hardware and mechanical test systems. This is an entry-level position working alongside experienced engineers on fixed and field-deployable solutions for hardware qualification, environmental testing, stress testing and sustainment.

Key responsibilities

• Support the design, analysis, fabrication and assembly of mechanical and structural systems.
• Create and revise CAD models, engineering drawings and manufacturing specifications.
• Help design structural and electromechanical test stands and fixtures for aeronautical components.
• Take part in prototyping, testing, troubleshooting and design validation.
• Perform structural, thermal and fatigue assessments with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Develop test procedures, document results and communicate findings.
• Contribute to design reviews and coordinate with manufacturing teams and suppliers.

Required profile

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related STEM field.
• 0-2 years of relevant experience; internships, co-ops, research and substantial academic projects may count.
• Foundational knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, physics and mathematics.
• Experience building, testing or troubleshooting mechanical systems.
• Ability to organize technical work, document results and communicate clearly, and to work in a fast-paced development environment.

Required skills

• CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, NX or similar.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings, material selection, structural analysis and common manufacturing processes.

Preferred: aerospace, robotics, automotive, test engineering or project experience; familiarity with FEA, thermal or fatigue analysis; experience with machine-shop tools, rapid prototyping, instrumentation, sensors or hydraulics.