Staff Prototype Technician - Structural

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AIs technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Job Description :

We are seeking a highly skilled Structural Test Technician to support the fabrication, instrumentation, and testing of new products. This role is ideal for a hands-on builder who thrives in dynamic environments, has experience with structural fabrication and precision instrumentation techniques, and is comfortable working in both machine shop operations and product prototyping environments.

You will be a key contributor in bringing 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.

Operate and maintain mechanical testing systems (e.g., hydraulic actuators, load frames, DAQ systems).

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.

Operate rigging systems, forklifts, and gantry cranes to position and transport test equipment and structural components.

Required Qualifications :

46 years of overall experience in structural fabrication, instrumentation, and / or testing.

Strong background in strain gauge installation, sensor wiring, and data acquisition integration.

Hands-on experience with mechanical testing systems such as hydraulic actuators, load frames, and DAQ systems.

Proficiency 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 :

Experience with composite material handling and repair techniques (cutting, bonding, vacuum bagging, etc.).

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.

EOE (Veteran / Disability)

How to Apply for This Job :

To apply for this position, please follow these steps : Apply for this job with your current resume. Well get back to you the same day with some feedback on your application. Next youll be invited to an online screening conversation so we can go over the job requirements together and you can ask questions. After this stage well give you more feedback on your application and select the candidates to move forward in the process. Typically steps 1 to 4 takes less than 24 hours.

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