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Shield AI

Staff Technician, Air Vehicle Systems (R4892)

Shield AI|AI Robotics
Dallas, Texas
full-timeX-BAT Division

Job Description

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 offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the 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:

We are seeking a highly skilled Air Vehicle Mechanical and Fluid Systems Technician to support the fabrication, instrumentation, and testing of new aerospace products. This role is ideal for a hands-on builder who thrives in dynamic environments, has deep experience working with aircraft systems and fabrication methods, and has a background in machine shop operations and product prototyping.

You will be a key contributor in helping bring 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 air vehicle systems and subsystems such as landing gear, mechanisms, fluid systems, test articles in alignment with engineering drawings, engineering instructions, and CAD models.
  • Support the design, prototyping, and fabrication of new products, R&D initiatives, and flight-ready hardware.
  • Work with aerospace-grade materials and perform component 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.
  • 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.

Required qualifications:

  • 4-6 years of experience in aircraft maintenance, prototype fabrication, test stand design & fabrication.
  • Proficient in metallic and mechanisms fabrication, bearing install & removal.
  • Hands-on experience 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:

  • Familiarity with a variety of mechanical systems (e.g., hydraulic actuators, pumps, fluids, load frames, DAQ systems).
  • Experience in aerospace, automotive, defense, or high-performance prototyping environments.
  • Knowledge of adhesives, fasteners, and bonding processes for composite-to-metal or similar interfaces.
  • Able to work independently and adapt quickly to changing technical needs.

About Shield AI

First seen: April 30, 2026
Last updated: April 30, 2026