Structural Test Stand Design Engineer (R4413)

Shield AI•Dallas, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Shield AI, founded in 2015, is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems, including V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. The Mechanical Test team aims to inform Shield AI hardware design by quantifying product performance and experience with custom measurement tools and specialized analysis. This role is for a highly skilled and detail-oriented Structures/Mechanical Test Engineer to support the development, testing, and validation of advanced mechanical systems within a dynamic lab environment, contributing to the design of next-generation aircraft.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
9+ years of experience in mechanical testing or product development environments.
Strong working knowledge of hydraulic systems and their control/measurement.
Experience with sensor selection, integration, and calibration in test environments.
Proficiency in Python for scripting, test automation, and data analysis.
Advanced CAD skills in Siemens NX with experience designing test hardware and prototypes.
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and in team settings.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience performing MIL-STD testing (e.g., MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461) including vibration, shock, thermal, and EMI/EMC testing.
Subject Matter Expert in aerospace structures and dynamics test environments.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute test plans to validate mechanical performance, structural integrity, and environmental durability from start to finish.
Design, build, and operate test fixtures and systems involving hydraulic actuation, mechanical linkages, and sensor instrumentation.
Integrate and calibrate a range of sensors (e.g., load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges, accelerometers) into test setups for accurate data collection.
Create and maintain python scripts to provide automation, signal processing, and result visualization.
Analyze test data, troubleshoot system behaviors, and generate detailed technical reports with design feedback.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical design, systems, and electrical engineering to define test requirements, run test campaigns and deliver high quality results.
Lead CAD design of custom test equipment, prototypes, fixtures, and components, ensuring manufacturability and safety.
Perform Finite Element Analysis to simulate mechanical performance, validate design assumptions, and correlate analytical results with test data.
Work with metallic/composite materials in the design, fabrication, and testing of mechanical components, with consideration for their unique properties such as anisotropy, delamination risk, and layup configuration.
Support lab safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and continuous improvement of test capabilities.