Skip to content

Senior Engineer, Mechanical Test (R5091)

Dallas, Texas
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

Do you enjoy working in a dynamic lab environment and contributing to hardware that can directly impact the safety of service members and civilians? Shield AI is looking for a hands-on engineer to help design, test, and validate the next generation of intelligent systems.

The Mechanical Test team’s mission is to inform and improve Shield AI hardware design by quantifying product performance through custom measurement systems, specialized testing, and rigorous analysis. This role will focus on vibration, modal, structural, and environmental testing to help engineering teams understand how our products perform in real-world operating conditions.

We are looking for candidates who are passionate about engineering principles, curious about how things work, and excited to grow in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. You will work closely with cross-functional partners to evaluate design performance, troubleshoot issues, and improve the customer experience.

Success in this role requires technical creativity, strong organization, clear communication, and a willingness to listen, learn, debate respectfully, and solve difficult problems as part of a high-performing team.

What you'll do:

  • Apply technical and creative problem-solving skills to quickly design, build, and deploy instrumented test and measurement systems.
  • Support manual and automated data collection, processing, and analysis.
  • Use measurement science and engineering analysis to understand the static and dynamic inputs, loads, and system responses that drive product performance.
  • Build trusted relationships with mechanical design teams and apply your expertise to help identify the best design paths quickly.
  • Plan and execute test programs, including ground and flight vibration testing, modal testing for finite element model validation, vibration troubleshooting, and strain gauge testing of structural components.
  • Perform shaker table testing and support hardware qualification and development test campaigns.
  • Maintain test equipment and ensure calibration requirements remain current.
  • Develop test plans, technical reports, and detailed data reviews that clearly communicate results and inform design decisions.
  • Support other test and engineering activities as needed.

Required qualifications:

  • B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Hands-on experience with vibration testing of mechanical systems; internship, research, or project team experience is applicable.
  • Hands-on experience performing MIL-STD testing (e.g., MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461) including vibration, shock, thermal, and EMI/EMC testing.
  • Experience with CAD modeling (NX preferred).
  • Working knowledge of finite element analysis principles.
  • Experience with modal testing.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work hard, act as a trustworthy teammate, hold yourself and others to high standards, and treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Track record of taking ownership of development processes, test efforts, or technical features and delivering high-quality outcomes.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced development environment, navigate ambiguity, overcome obstacles, and deliver results on schedule.
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred qualifications:

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Leadership experience on a project, research, or product development team.
  • Experience with root cause investigation, failure analysis, design of experiments, or structured problem-solving methods.
  • Experience in startup, R&D, aerospace, defense, robotics, UAV, or high-reliability hardware environments.
  • Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and ability to innovate under pressure while meeting dynamic project demands.
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

About Shield AI

Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company building autonomous AI systems for aircraft, drones, and intelligent mission software used in complex military environments. Founded in 2015, the company is best known for developing Hivemind, an AI pilot system that enables aircraft and drones to operate autonomously in contested and GPS-denied environments, supporting U.S. and allied defense missions.

For job seekers, Shield AI offers opportunities across advanced fields including artificial intelligence, robotics, software engineering, autonomy systems, aerospace engineering, embedded systems, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, AI researchers, and defense professionals who want to work on real-world autonomous systems that are actively being deployed in operational military scenarios.

Unlike traditional defense contractors, Shield AI operates with a startup-style engineering culture focused on rapid experimentation, real-world testing, and fast deployment of autonomous capabilities. Employees work on tightly integrated AI and robotics systems that combine perception, decision-making, and control, enabling platforms to operate without direct human input in highly complex environments.

As modern warfare increasingly shifts toward autonomous systems, distributed sensing, and AI-enabled decision-making, Shield AI continues to grow as one of the most prominent companies in next-generation defense technology. For professionals seeking to build cutting-edge autonomy systems with direct mission impact, Shield AI stands out as a leading employer in the defense innovation ecosystem.

Go to company profile