Structures / Mechanical Test Co-op - January 2027 Co-op

Shield AI•Dallas, TX

3d•$41 - $70•Onsite

About The Position

Shield AI is hiring a Structures / Mechanical Test Co-op for a full-time co-op beginning in January 2027. The role is suited to students with a mechanical engineering foundation who are interested in structural testing, instrumentation, hydraulic systems, CAD, and automation. The co-op will gain hands-on experience designing test equipment, conducting mechanical tests, and contributing to hardware development in an aerospace environment. The co-op will help design, assemble, and operate mechanical test fixtures and systems, support hydraulic-system integration and troubleshooting, and assist with mechanical, structural, and environmental testing. The role also involves installing and calibrating sensors; writing Python scripts for automation, data processing, and visualization; analyzing results and documenting findings; designing components in CAD; supporting FEA comparisons; helping fabricate and test metallic and composite components; and maintaining lab equipment and safe processes. The co-op runs from January through May 2027, with a potential extension through summer 2027 based on business need, student availability, and performance. The schedule is full-time, onsite five days per week. Compensation is $41–$70 per hour. Shield AI offers competitive pay and a housing stipend for qualified hires; interns are responsible for arranging their own housing and travel to and from the office.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Available for a full-time co-op starting January 2027.
Familiarity with CAD software such as Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar, through coursework or projects.
Basic understanding of mechanical systems, structural mechanics, and engineering fundamentals.
Exposure to Python or another programming language for data analysis or automation.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and willingness to learn new tools and technologies.
Clear written and verbal communication and ability to work well on a team.

Nice To Haves

Previous internship, co-op, research, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, robotics, capstone, or other hands-on project experience involving mechanical testing or hardware development.
Exposure to hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
Familiarity with strain gauges, load cells, pressure sensors, or other instrumentation.
Experience with lab testing, data acquisition systems, or experimental methods.
Exposure to Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
Experience with composite materials through coursework, research, or projects.

Responsibilities

Help design, assemble, and operate mechanical test fixtures and systems using hydraulic actuation, mechanical linkages, and sensor instrumentation.
Support hydraulic system integration, setup, and troubleshooting with guidance from senior engineers.
Help carry out mechanical, structural, and environmental test plans and ensure data collection is accurate and repeatable.
Install, wire, and calibrate load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges, accelerometers, displacement sensors, and other sensors.
Write and maintain Python scripts for test automation, data processing, and visualization.
Analyze test results, investigate unexpected behavior, and document findings in technical reports.
Collaborate with mechanical, systems, electrical, and manufacturing engineers on product development and validation.
Design simple test fixtures, adapters, and components in CAD while applying manufacturability and safety practices.
Support FEA work comparing analytical predictions with physical test results.
Help fabricate, assemble, and test metallic and composite components.
Help maintain lab equipment, improve test processes, and keep the lab safe.