Senior Staff Engineer – Mechanical Test

About the role

Do you enjoy working in a dynamic lab environment and being part of a design team that will impact the safety of service members and civilians? Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Engineer to lead mechanical testing for next‑generation aircraft, providing data that drives hardware design decisions.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans to validate mechanical performance, structural integrity, and environmental durability.
• Design, build, and operate hydraulic‑actuated test fixtures and integrate sensors such as load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges and accelerometers.
• Create and maintain Python scripts for test automation, signal processing and result visualization.
• Analyze test data, troubleshoot system behavior and produce detailed technical reports with design feedback.
• Lead CAD design of custom test equipment and perform Finite Element Analysis to correlate analytical and test results.
• Collaborate with mechanical, systems and electrical engineering teams to define requirements and deliver high‑quality results.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in mechanical testing or product development.
• Strong hands‑on experience with hydraulic systems and sensor integration.
• Proficiency in Python for automation and data analysis.
• Advanced CAD skills in Siemens NX.
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance (desired).

Required skills

• Hydraulic system design and control.
• Sensor technologies (force, pressure, strain, displacement, accelerometers).
• Python programming for test automation and data analysis.
• Siemens NX CAD modeling.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Metallic and composite material handling.