About the role
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.
Job Description
This Engineering Technician will support XBAT prototype ground testing and flight testing. This hands-on role will work closely with Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Test Engineering, and Design Engineering to verify hardware quality, identify and investigate issues, and ensure prototype configurations and test articles meet defined requirements.
What you'll do
- Perform in-process, final, pre-test, and post-test inspections of XBAT prototype hardware.
- Inspect mechanical, electrical, structural, composite, and electromechanical assemblies using appropriate measurement equipment.
- Verify hardware configuration, workmanship, dimensions, torque, installation, and traceability against engineering requirements.
- Support ground and flight test readiness by verifying required inspections and documentation are complete.
- Inspect and document hardware condition following testing, including damage, failures, and abnormal conditions.
- Collect objective evidence such as measurements, photographs, and inspection results to support engineering investigations.
- Identify, document, and contain nonconformances; support MRB, root-cause investigations, and corrective actions.
- Work directly with Quality, Manufacturing, Test, and Design Engineering to resolve prototype quality issues.
- Support development and improvement of inspection plans, checklists, acceptance criteria, and quality processes.
- Maintain accurate inspection, configuration, and quality records for serialized prototype hardware.
- Identify recurring issues and provide feedback to engineering and manufacturing teams to improve product and process quality.
Required qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, aviation, or a related technical field.
- Experience supporting prototype development or flight testing.
- Experience with hands-on inspection, testing, manufacturing, or troubleshooting of complex aerospace hardware.
- Ability to read engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with UAVs, aircraft, flight hardware, or aerospace structures.
- Experience with GD&T, composites, electrical systems, or electromechanical assemblies.
- Experience with nonconformance, MRB, RCCA, or failure investigation.
- Familiarity with AS9100.
#LD
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.