Senior Lab Technician (Hardware-in-the-Loop)

About the role

Shield AI, a defense-tech company developing aircraft and simulation technologies, is looking for a Senior Lab Technician to support the fabrication, instrumentation and testing of new aerospace products. The role suits someone who enjoys hands-on work, has deep experience with aircraft systems and fabrication, and a background building and maintaining a Systems Integration Lab. It spans early-stage prototype development through detailed testing and validation of final assemblies.

Key responsibilities

• Construct and assemble air vehicle systems and subsystems such as landing gear, mechanisms and fluid systems, following engineering drawings, instructions and CAD models.
• Support the design, prototyping and fabrication of new products, R&D initiatives and flight-ready hardware.
• Work with aerospace-grade materials and repair components using industry-standard techniques and tools.
• Fabricate fixtures, machine brackets and make rapid modifications to prototype hardware.
• Install strain gauges, thermocouples and sensors according to instrumentation schematics, route cabling, integrate data acquisition systems and verify sensor calibration.
• Perform mechanical testing with static and dynamic loads and document results, reporting anomalies promptly.
• Maintain a clean, organized and safe workspace and contribute to improvements in instrumentation standards and testing procedures.
• Source and manage inventory of parts and equipment for repair or replacement.

Required profile

• 4-6 years of experience in aircraft or lab maintenance, prototype fabrication, test stand design and fabrication.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics and detailed work instructions.
• Comfortable in shop and lab environments with noise, dust and chemicals, and able to lift up to 50 lbs and work physically for long periods.
• Able to obtain a Secret-level security clearance.

Required skills

• Proficiency in metallic and mechanism fabrication, installation and removal.
• Machine shop experience, including manual and/or CNC tools.
• Preferred: familiarity with mechanical systems (hydraulic actuators, pumps, fluids, load frames, DAQ systems) and electrical systems (cable harness checkouts, connections, power requirements).
• Preferred: experience in aerospace, automotive, defense or high-performance prototyping environments.