Lead Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Test – Aerospace Defense

Shield; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Test to spearhead the design and development of mechanical test infrastructure for X-BAT hardware. You will own the mechanical aspects of testing from concept to deployment, build robust test stands, fixtures, and support equipment for engineering and production-level test activities.

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

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of mechanical engineers in designing, building, and maintaining X-BAT hardware test stands and fixtures.
• Perform planning, technical direction, and coaching for team performance.
• Own requirements gathering, concept development, detailed design, and validation of multiple test stands.
• Design fixtures, tooling, and mechanical systems for test applications in engineering and production environments.
• Conduct mechanical analyses including hand calculations and FEA-informed assessments for strength and safety.
• Apply GD&T, tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA, design reviews, and release documentation.
• Collaborate with test, electrical, avionics, manufacturing, and technician teams for safe, repeatable hardware integration.
• Support fabrication and build activities with internal shops and external vendors.
• Lead root-cause investigations and implement corrective design improvements.
• Build processes and documentation to improve quality and speed in hardware testing.

Skills

Mechanical design

Team leadership

Test fixtures

Project leadership

Analytical methods

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Test to spearhead the design and development of mechanical test infrastructure for X-BAT hardware. You will own the mechanical aspects of testing from concept to deployment, build robust test stands, fixtures, and support equipment for engineering and production-level test activities.

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