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

Shield AI•Dallas, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Shield AI is hiring a Structures / Mechanical Test Co-op for a full-time, onsite co-op beginning in January 2027. This role is suited to students with a mechanical engineering foundation and an interest in structural testing, instrumentation, hydraulic systems, CAD, and automation. The co-op offers hands-on experience designing test equipment, conducting mechanical tests, and supporting hardware development in an aerospace environment. The co-op will help design, assemble, and operate test fixtures and systems; support hydraulic system integration and troubleshooting; perform mechanical, structural, and environmental testing; and install and calibrate instrumentation. The role also includes Python-based test automation and data analysis, reporting test findings, CAD design, supporting FEA comparisons, fabricating and testing components, and maintaining lab equipment and safe processes. The term runs January through May 2027, with a possible extension through summer 2027 based on business need, student availability, and performance. The position is onsite five days per week and pays $41–$70 per hour. Shield AI offers a housing stipend for qualified hires; interns are responsible for arranging their own housing and travel.

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 skills 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, ensuring data collection is accurate and repeatable.
Install, wire, and calibrate sensors such as load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges, accelerometers, and displacement sensors.
Write and maintain Python scripts for test automation, data processing, and visualization.
Analyze test results, investigate unexpected behavior, and document findings in clear 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 learning manufacturability and safety best 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 support a safe lab environment.