Lead Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Test & Fixtures

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Test to lead the design and development of mechanical test infrastructure for the X-BAT program. You will own the mechanical side of hardware testing from concept through deployment, building robust test stands, fixtures, and support equipment for engineering and production‑level tests.

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

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM; advanced degree a plus.
• Senior/lead mechanical engineer experience designing fixtures, tooling or test stands for aerospace/defense hardware.
• Experience leading engineers, mentoring, and driving accountability.
• Strong CAD fundamentals and release of drawings for manufacture.
• Hands-on lab/prototype experience balancing analysis and practical execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of mechanical engineers to design and maintain X-BAT hardware test stands and fixtures.
• Provide technical direction, work planning, coaching, and performance development for the team.
• Own requirements, concept development, detailed design, and validation of test stands for hardware and subsystems.
• Design fixtures, tooling, and mechanical systems for engineering and production tests.
• Perform mechanical analyses including hand calculations and FEA-informed assessments.
• Apply GD&T, tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA, design reviews and release documentation.
• Partner with test, electrical, avionics, manufacturing, and technicians to integrate safe, repeatable test hardware.
• Support fabrication by coordinating with shops and vendors to release, procure and assemble hardware.
• Lead root-cause investigations and implement corrective design improvements.
• Build processes, documentation habits, and execution rhythms to improve quality and speed.

Skills

Mechanical design

Team leadership

Test stands

CAD tools

FEA analysis

GD&T

Cross-functional

Prototyping

Manufacturing release

Communication

Education

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Advanced degree

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Test to lead the design and development of mechanical test infrastructure for the X-BAT program. You will own the mechanical side of hardware testing from concept through deployment, building robust test stands, fixtures, and support equipment for engineering and production‑level tests.

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