Lead Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Test (X-BAT)

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-BAT aircraft, 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 www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. About Shield AIShield AI develops AI-powered autonomy software and aircraft systems that protect service members and civilians by enabling intelligent operations in contested environments. As part of the X-BAT program, you will help develop and validate next-generation autonomous aircraft and mission-critical hardware that must perform reliably in demanding operational conditions.

Job Description: Shield AI is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Test to lead the design and development of mechanical test infrastructure that enables rapid, rigorous validation of X-BAT hardware. This role will own the mechanical side of hardware testing, from concept through deployment, by building robust test stands, fixtures, and support equipment for engineering and production-level test activities.

The ideal candidate is a strong technical leader who can manage a small team, establish sound engineering processes, and drive execution in a fast-paced hardware environment. Success in this role requires hands-on experience with mechanical design, fixture development, analysis, fabrication support, and cross-functional coordination in support of complex aerospace hardware test programs.