Mechanical Test Co-op: Hydraulics, CAD & Data Automation

Shield AI; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 56,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI offers a paid co-op opportunity beginning January 2027 for students in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering to join a fast-paced aerospace environment. You will design and assemble mechanical test fixtures, operate hydraulic test systems, and collect data using sensors and Python scripts.

You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams across mechanical, systems, electrical, and manufacturing to advance hardware development and validation.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Available for a full‑time co‑op starting January 2027.
• Familiarity with CAD software such as Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar, through coursework or projects.
• Exposure to Python or another programming language for data analysis or automation.

Responsibilities

• Help design, assemble, and operate mechanical test fixtures and systems that use hydraulic actuation, mechanical linkages, and sensor instrumentation.
• Support hydraulic system integration, setup, and troubleshooting with guidance from senior engineers.
• Help carry out mechanical, structural, and environmental test plans, making sure data collection is accurate and repeatable.
• Install, wire, and calibrate sensors such as load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges, accelerometers, and displacement sensors.
• Write and maintain Python scripts for test automation, data processing, and visualization.
• Analyze test results, look into unexpected behavior, and write up findings in clear technical reports.
• Work with mechanical, systems, electrical, and manufacturing engineers on product development and validation.
• Design simple test fixtures, adapters, and components in CAD while learning best practices for manufacturability and safety.
• Support Finite Element Analysis (FEA) work that compares analytical predictions with physical test results.
• Help fabricate, assemble, and test metallic and composite components.
• Help maintain lab equipment, improve test processes, and keep the lab a safe place to work.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Python scripting

Mechanical intuition

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

Shield AI offers a paid co-op opportunity beginning January 2027 for students in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering to join a fast-paced aerospace environment. You will design and assemble mechanical test fixtures, operate hydraulic test systems, and collect data using sensors and Python scripts.

You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams across mechanical, systems, electrical, and manufacturing to advance hardware development and validation.