Senior Lab Technician

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 Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.


Job Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled Hardware in the Loop Lab 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 building and maintaining a Systems Integration Lab.

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/Lab maintenance, prototype fabrication, test stand design & fabrication.
• Proficient in metallic and mechanisms fabrication, installation & 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.
• Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance.

Preferred qualifications:

• Familiarity with a variety of mechanical systems (e.g., hydraulic actuators, pumps, fluids, load frames, DAQ systems).
• Familiarity with a variety of electrical systems (e.g., cable harness checkouts, electrical connections, power requirements).
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, defense, or high-performance prototyping environments.
• Able to work independently and adapt quickly to changing technical needs.

$33 - $50 an hour

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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.

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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.


We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.