Engineer II, Mechanical Test (R4935)
Design, build, and operate mechanical test systems for AI aircraft and UAVs. Hands-on role validating structural integrity using hydraulics, sensors, Python automation, FEA, and NX CAD.
About the job
What you'll do
- Develop and execute test plans to validate mechanical performance, structural integrity, and environmental durability from start to finish.
- Design, build, and operate test fixtures and systems involving hydraulic actuation, mechanical linkages, and sensor instrumentation.
- Integrate and calibrate a range of sensors (e.g., load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges, accelerometers) into test setups for accurate data collection.
- Create and maintain python scripts to provide automation, signal processing, and result visualization.
- Analyze test data, troubleshoot system behaviors, and generate technical reports with design feedback.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical design, systems, and electrical engineering to define test requirements, run test campaigns and deliver high quality results.
- Lead CAD design of custom test equipment, prototypes, fixtures, and components, ensuring manufacturability and safety.
- Perform Finite Element Analysis to simulate mechanical performance, validate design assumptions, and correlate analytical results with test data.
- Work with metallic/composite materials in the design, fabrication, and testing of mechanical components, with consideration for their unique properties such as anisotropy, delamination risk, and layup configuration.
- Support lab safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and improvement of test capabilities.
Required qualifications
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
- 2+ years of professional experience in mechanical/fluids testing.
- Understanding of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation) and fluid mechanics.
- Experienced with active and passive cooling solutions and their integration at component and system level.
- Proficiency with mechanical testing of large structures and ground vehicles.
- Experience with CAD design tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or similar.
- Demonstrated experience applying first-principles reasoning to complex engineering problems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven ability to learn and adapt quickly to new tools, processes, and technical challenges in a fast paced, startup environment.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with UAVs, aircraft, or robotic systems for large ground vehicles.
- Hands-on experience performing MIL-STD testing (e.g., MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461) including vibration, shock, thermal, and EMI/EMC testing.
- Subject Matter Expert in aerospace structures and dynamics test environments.
- Familiarity with electro-mechanical actuators.
- Hands-on machine shop or mechanic experience (professional or hobby).
- Ability to thrive in startup, R&D, or defense innovation environments.
Skills
Python, Nx, Solidworks, CAD, Finite Element Analysis, Hydraulics, Strain Gauges, Load Cells, Mil-Std Testing, Uav Systems
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