# Staff Engineer, Mechanical Test (R4888)

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Dallas, TX
**Role:** Hardware Engineering
**Salary:** $130k – $200k/yr
**Experience:** 7+ years
**Skills:** Python, Siemens Nx, Finite Element Analysis, Hydraulic Systems, Sensors, Load Cells, Pressure Transducers, Strain Gauges, Accelerometers, Mil-Std-810, Mil-Std-461, CAD, Composites
**Posted:** 2026-05-05

> Leads mechanical testing for aircraft hardware, designing test fixtures with hydraulics and sensors, automating analysis with Python, and performing FEA on metallic/composite materials. Requires 7+ years experience, Mechanical Engineering degree, and NX proficiency.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities

- 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 detailed 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 continuous improvement of test capabilities.

## Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- **7-9 years** of experience in mechanical testing or product development environments.
- Strong working knowledge of hydraulic systems and their control/measurement.
- Experience with sensor selection, integration, and calibration in test environments.
- Proficiency in **Python** for scripting, test automation, and data analysis.
- Advanced CAD skills in **Siemens NX** with experience designing test hardware and prototypes.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and in team settings.

## Preferred Qualifications

- 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.

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