Staff Technician, Air Vehicle Systems (R4892)
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
- 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.
- How much does the Staff Technician, Air Vehicle Systems (R4892) at Shield AI pay?
- The posting lists a range of $71K–$106K per year. Ranges reflect what Shield AI publicly declared on the source posting.
- Where is this Staff Technician, Air Vehicle Systems (R4892) role based?
- The role is based in Dallas, Texas.
- What experience does Shield AI expect for this role?
- The posting is tagged as a lead-level role, typically 7+ years of experience. Check the requirements section for specifics.
- Where is Shield AI headquartered?
- Shield AI is headquartered in San Diego, USA.
- How was this posting sourced?
- This role was pulled directly from Shield AI's Lever careers site. Apply links open in the employer's own ATS — no reposts or aggregator middleware.
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