Senior Mechanical Test Engineer

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate test fixtures and systems involving hydraulic actuation, mechanical linkages, and sensor instrumentation.
• Support hydraulic system design and test activities, including the selection, integration, and troubleshooting of valves, pumps, actuators, and manifolds.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate mechanical performance, structural integrity, and environmental durability.
• Integrate and calibrate sensors such as load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges, and accelerometers for accurate data collection.
• Create and maintain Python scripts for automation, signal processing, and result visualization.
• Analyze test data, troubleshoot system behaviors, and generate detailed technical reports to provide design feedback.
• Lead CAD design of custom test equipment and prototypes using Siemens NX.
• Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate mechanical performance and correlate analytical results with test data.
• Work with composite materials in the design, fabrication, and testing of mechanical components.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in mechanical/structures testing or product development environments.
• Deep experience with hydraulic systems, including driving precise control and stable operation.
• Expertise in sensor selection, integration, and calibration to produce high-confidence data.
• Proficiency in Python for scripting, test automation, and data analysis.
• Advanced CAD skills, specifically with Siemens NX, for designing test hardware and prototypes.
• Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

Preferred Qualifications

• Comprehensive understanding of hydraulic schematics, pressure/flow characterization, and leak detection.
• Experience working in aerospace structures and dynamics test environments.
• Familiarity with test article preparation, data acquisition systems, and reaction frame design.

About the Company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company on a mission to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Their products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. Shield AI develops cutting-edge technology that actively supports operations worldwide.