← All roles

Lead Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Test (X-BAT)

Shield AI· X-BAT Engineering - Avionics
Apply on company site
Seattle, WA$150k - $230kFull Time EmployeePosted 3w ago

About the role

Lead Mechanical Engineer responsible for designing and deploying mechanical test infrastructure to validate X-BAT hardware, leading a small team, and driving robust test solutions in a fast-paced aerospace hardware environment.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a team of mechanical engineers in designing, building, and maintaining X-BAT hardware test stands and fixtures that support subsystem, integration, and qualification testing.
  • Perform core people-lead responsibilities, including work planning, technical direction, regular 1:1s, coaching, feedback, and performance development for the team.
  • Own requirements gathering, concept development, detailed design, and validation of multiple test stands used to evaluate X-BAT hardware and supporting subsystems.
  • Design fixtures, tooling, structural support hardware, and mechanical systems for engineering and production-level test applications.
  • Perform mechanical analyses such as hand calculations and FEA-informed assessments for strength, stiffness, thermal behavior, durability, and safety.
  • Define and apply industry-standard mechanical engineering practices, including GD&T, tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA, design reviews, release documentation, and configuration discipline.
  • Partner with test, electrical, avionics, manufacturing, and technician teams to integrate test hardware that is safe, repeatable, maintainable, and efficient to operate.
  • Support fabrication and build activities by working closely with internal shops and external vendors to release, procure, assemble, and iterate hardware quickly.
  • Drive troubleshooting and root-cause investigations when test hardware or units under test do not perform as expected and implement corrective design improvements.
  • Build team processes, documentation habits, and execution rhythms that improve quality, speed, and ownership across the hardware test function.

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related STEM discipline; advanced degree is a plus.
  • Proven experience as a senior or lead mechanical engineer developing fixtures, tooling, or test stands for aerospace, defense, robotics, or other complex hardware systems.
  • Prior experience leading engineers and building high-performing teams, including mentoring, setting expectations, and driving accountability.
  • Strong mechanical design fundamentals with the ability to take concepts through analysis, detailed design, fabrication, assembly, and checkout.
  • Proficiency with CAD tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or CATIA, and experience releasing drawings for manufacture.
  • Familiarity with ME practices including tolerance stack-up, materials selection, fastener design, load path evaluation, and safe machine/fixture design.
  • Hands-on experience in lab, prototype, or production environments, with judgment to balance analytical rigor and practical execution.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work across disciplines to translate ambiguous test needs into robust mechanical solutions.
  • Demonstrated ownership, strong work ethic, and a track record of improving processes, raising the bar, and delivering results under schedule pressure.

Skills

Required:Mechanical designTeam leadershipCAD (NX, SolidWorks, or CATIA)Mechanical analysis (hand calculations, FEA)GD&T, tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA

Benefits

  • Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
  • Salary compensation is influenced by factors including skill set, experience, licenses and certifications, and location
  • Offers contingent on background check and possible reference check
  • Equal opportunity employer with accommodations available upon request
Last updated Oct 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Shield AI

Autonomy for the world.

Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.

AerospaceAutonomyDefenseliquid-ai-recruiting-targetsetter-30setter-30-2026-q1
Company profileWebsite

More open roles at Shield AI