Structures / Mechanical Test Co-op

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. 

Our Summer Internship program is a wonderful opportunity for Fall and Spring graduates to immerse themselves in an innovative and mission driven culture. Our paid internship program will provide you with hands on mentorship, an opportunity to add real contribution to our company via your internship project, and a possible job offer at the end. You will have the chance to make lifelong friendships, expand your network, and learn all about what it's like to work in a high-growth, fast scaling tech unicorn. You'll take part in company sponsored events and enjoy exploring a new city. Read on below to learn more about this unique internship!

This co-op suits students with a solid mechanical engineering foundation who are interested in structural testing, instrumentation, hydraulic systems, CAD, and automation. You'll get real experience designing test equipment, running mechanical tests, and contributing to hardware development in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

What you'll do

• Help design, assemble, and operate mechanical test fixtures and systems that use hydraulic actuation, mechanical linkages, and sensor instrumentation.

• Support hydraulic system integration, setup, and troubleshooting with guidance from senior engineers.

• Help carry out mechanical, structural, and environmental test plans, making sure data collection is accurate and repeatable.

• Install, wire, and calibrate sensors such as load cells, pressure transducers, strain gauges, accelerometers, and displacement sensors.

• Write and maintain Python scripts for test automation, data processing, and visualization.

• Analyze test results, look into unexpected behavior, and write up findings in clear technical reports.

• Work with mechanical, systems, electrical, and manufacturing engineers on product development and validation.

• Design simple test fixtures, adapters, and components in CAD while learning best practices for manufacturability and safety.

• Support Finite Element Analysis (FEA) work that compares analytical predictions with physical test results.

• Help fabricate, assemble, and test metallic and composite components.

• Help maintain lab equipment, improve test processes, and keep the lab a safe place to work.

Required qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

• Available for a full-time co-op starting January 2027

• Familiarity with CAD software such as Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar, through coursework or projects.

• Basic understanding of mechanical systems, structural mechanics, and engineering fundamentals.

• Exposure to Python or another programming language for data analysis or automation.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn new tools and technologies.

• Clear written and verbal communication, and the ability to work well on a team.

Preferred qualifications

• Previous internship, co-op, research, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, robotics, capstone, or other hands-on project experience involving mechanical testing or hardware development.

• Exposure to hydraulic or pneumatic systems.

• Familiarity with strain gauges, load cells, pressure sensors, or other instrumentation.

• Experience with lab testing, data acquisition systems, or experimental methods.

• Exposure to Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

• Experience with composite materials through coursework, research, or projects.

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Shield AI is proud to offer competitive pay and a housing stipend for qualified hires. While our People Experience team provides resources and assistance, interns are responsible to find their own housing and travel to and from their office location.

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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.