Senior Mechanical Test Technician for Aerospace Prototyping

Shield; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Technician, Mechanical Test in Seattle to support fabrication, instrumentation, and testing of X-BAT aircraft. This hands-on role requires working with test stands, precision instrumentation, and prototyping across shop and lab environments.

The position involves occasional travel to Dallas, and contributes to prototype development through final validation of assemblies. The ideal candidate has strong fabrication or aerospace instrumentation background, experience

Qualifications

• 10+ years of fabrication or aerospace instrumentation experience.
• Proficient in strain gauge installation and sensor wiring.
• Hands-on machine shop experience with CNC or manual tools.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and schematics.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs and performing physical work.

Responsibilities

• Construct and assemble large-scale structures and test articles in alignment with engineering drawings and CAD models.
• Support the design, prototyping, and fabrication of new products, R&D initiatives, and flight-ready hardware.
• Maintain accurate records of test equipment configurations and device designations across all projects.
• Work with aerospace-grade materials and perform structural repairs using industry-standard techniques and tools.
• Fabricate fixtures, machine brackets, and execute rapid modifications on prototype hardware as needed.
• Install strain gauges, thermocouples and various sensors according to precise instrumentation schematics.
• Route cabling, integrate data acquisition systems, and verify sensor calibration and operational status.
• Conduct mechanical testing by applying static and dynamic loads per detailed engineering procedures.
• Document test outcomes clearly and report anomalies or irregularities in a timely manner.
• Ensure a clean, organized, and safe workspace across shop, lab, and composite work areas.
• Contribute to ongoing improvements in instrumentation standards, testing procedures, and fabrication workflows.
• Source and manage inventory for parts and equipment needed for component repair or replacement.

Skills

Fabrication experience

Strain gauge installation

Machine shop operations

Reading drawings

Physical stamina

Tools

CNC tools

Manual tools

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Technician, Mechanical Test in Seattle to support fabrication, instrumentation, and testing of X-BAT aircraft. This hands-on role requires working with test stands, precision instrumentation, and prototyping across shop and lab environments.

The position involves occasional travel to Dallas, and contributes to prototype development through final validation of assemblies. The ideal candidate has strong fabrication or aerospace instrumentation background, experience