Technician II, Test (R6165)

Shield; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Bonus

Benefits

Temporary benefits

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Test Technician to support the fabrication, instrumentation, and testing of X‑Bat. This role suits a hands‑on builder who thrives in dynamic environments, with experience in test stands, precision instrumentation, and prototyping.

You will construct large structures, install sensors, maintain records, and work with aerospace materials. You will ensure a safe, organized workspace while contributing to standards and workflows improvements.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in fabrication or aerospace‑grade instrumentation.
• Proficient with strain gauge installation and sensor wiring.
• Hands‑on machine shop experience with manual and CNC tools.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform sustained manual tasks.

Responsibilities

• Construct and assemble large‑scale structures and test articles per drawings and CAD models.
• Support design, prototyping, and fabrication of new products and flight‑ready hardware.
• Maintain records of test equipment configurations and designations.
• Work with aerospace‑grade materials and perform structural repairs using standard techniques.
• Fabricate fixtures, machine brackets, and modify prototype hardware.
• Install sensors and route cabling according to instrumentation schematics.
• Route cabling, verify sensor calibration, and integrate data acquisition.
• Conduct mechanical testing with static and dynamic loads per procedures.
• Document outcomes and report anomalies promptly.
• Ensure a clean, safe workspace across shop, lab, and composite areas.
• Contribute to improvements in instrumentation standards and workflows.
• Source and manage inventory for parts and equipment.

Skills

Strain gauge installation

Sensor wiring

Machine shop operations

Reading drawings & schematics

Physical endurance (up to 50 lbs)

Fabrication/aerospace instrumentation

Tools

CNC tools

DAQ systems

Load frames

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BATaircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit Follow Shield AI onLinkedIn,X,Instagram, andYouTube.

We are seeking a highly skilled Test Technician to support the fabrication, instrumentation, and testing of X-Bat. This role is ideal for a hands‑on builder who thrives in dynamic environments, has deep experience working with test stands, understands precision instrumentation techniques, and has a background in machine shop operations, 3D printing, and product prototyping. You will be a key contributor in helping bring cutting‑edge designs to life, playing a vital role in everything from early‑stage prototype development to detailed testing and validation of final assemblies.

What you'll do:

• 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.

Required qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in fabrication or aerospace‑grade instrumentation.
• Strong background in strain gauge installation and sensor wiring.
• Hands‑on experience in machine shop operations, including manual and/or CNC tools.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and detailed work instructions.
• Comfortable working in shop and lab environments with exposure to noise, dust, and chemicals.
• Ability to lift and move parts and equipment (up to 50 lbs.) and perform physical work for extended periods.

Preferred qualifications:

• Familiarity with mechanical testing systems (e.g., load frames, DAQ systems).
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, defense, or high‑performance prototyping environments.
• Knowledge of adhesives, fasteners, and bonding processes for composite‑to‑metal interfaces.
• Able to work independently and adapt quickly to changing technical needs.
• Hands‑on experience performing MIL‑STD testing including vibration, shock, thermal testing.

Full‑time regular employee offer package:Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.