Lead Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Test

Shield AI

Dallas (TX)

On-site

USD 128,000 - 190,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Test to lead the design and development of mechanical test infrastructure for X-BAT hardware, from concept to deployment. This role will own the mechanical side of hardware testing, building robust test stands, fixtures, and support equipment for rapid validation in aerospace hardware programs.

The ideal candidate is a strong technical leader who can manage a small team, establish sound engineering processes, and drive execution in a

Qualifications

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM; advanced degree is a plus.
Proven experience as a senior or lead mechanical engineer developing fixtures, tooling, or test stands for aerospace, defense, robotics, or other complex hardware systems.
Prior experience leading engineers and building high-performing teams, including mentoring, setting expectations, and driving accountability.
Strong mechanical design fundamentals with the ability to take concepts through analysis, detailed design, fabrication, assembly, and checkout.
Proficiency with industry-standard CAD tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or CATIA, and experience releasing drawings for manufacture.
Familiarity with standard ME practices, including tolerance stack-up, materials selection, fastener design, load path evaluation, and safe machine/fixture design.
Hands-on experience in lab, prototype, or production environments, with the judgment to balance analytical rigor and practical execution.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work across disciplines to translate ambiguous test needs into robust mechanical solutions.
Demonstrated ownership, strong work ethic, and a track record of improving processes, raising the bar, and delivering results under schedule pressure.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of mechanical engineers in designing, building, and maintaining X-BAT hardware test stands and fixtures that support subsystem, integration, and qualification testing.
Perform core people-lead responsibilities, including work planning, technical direction, regular 1:1s, coaching, feedback, and performance development for the team.
Own requirements gathering, concept development, detailed design, and validation of multiple test stands used to evaluate X-BAT hardware and supporting subsystems.
Design fixtures, tooling, structural support hardware, and mechanical systems for engineering and production-level test applications.
Perform mechanical analyses such as hand calculations and FEA-informed assessments for strength, stiffness, thermal behavior, durability, and safety.
Define and apply industry-standard mechanical engineering practices, including GD&T, tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA, design reviews, release documentation, and configuration discipline.
Partner with test, electrical, avionics, manufacturing, and technician teams to integrate test hardware that is safe, repeatable, maintainable, and efficient to operate.
Support fabrication and build activities by working closely with internal shops and external vendors to release, procure, assemble, and iterate hardware quickly.
Drive troubleshooting and root-cause investigations when test hardware or units under test do not perform as expected and implement corrective design improvements.
Build team processes, documentation habits, and execution rhythms that improve quality, speed, and ownership across the hardware test function.