About the role#
This co-op role is for students with a strong mechanical engineering foundation who want to work on structural testing, instrumentation, hydraulic systems, CAD, and automation. You will gain experience designing test equipment, running mechanical tests, and contributing to hardware development in an aerospace environment.
What you'll do#
- Design, assemble, and operate mechanical test fixtures and systems using hydraulic actuation and mechanical linkages.
- Support the integration, setup, and troubleshooting of hydraulic systems.
- Execute mechanical, structural, and environmental test plans to ensure accurate data collection.
- Install, wire, and calibrate sensors including 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 and document findings in technical reports.
- Collaborate with mechanical, systems, electrical, and manufacturing engineers on product validation.
- Design test fixtures, adapters, and components in CAD while learning manufacturability and safety standards.
- Support Finite Element Analysis (FEA) by comparing analytical predictions with physical test results.
- Fabricate, assemble, and test metallic and composite components.
- Maintain lab equipment and improve test processes to ensure a safe work environment.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- Availability for a full-time co-op starting in January 2027.
- Familiarity with CAD software such as Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or Creo.
- A basic understanding of mechanical systems, structural mechanics, and engineering fundamentals.
- Experience with Python or another programming language for data analysis or automation.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a willingness to learn new technologies.
- Clear communication skills and the ability to work well within a team.
- Preferred: Previous experience with Formula SAE, Baja SAE, robotics, or other hands-on hardware development projects.
- Preferred: Exposure to hydraulic systems, instrumentation (strain gauges, load cells), data acquisition systems, FEA, or composite materials.
Location & details#
- Location: Dallas, Texas.
- Term: Winter 2027.
- Modality: On-site.
- This is a paid, full-time position.
About Shield AI
Shield AI is a defense-tech company founded in 2015. It develops intelligent systems including Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and simulation technologies. The organization maintains offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. It employs approximately 1,890 people.
How to get in at Shield AI
Applying early to Shield AI gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review candidates before the applicant pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a new role is published, helping you get your materials in among the first. This timing often determines whether a recruiter sees your profile or if it gets buried in a queue. You can improve your response rate at Shield AI by reaching out to recruiters directly to ask about the role or a potential referral. Intern Insider surfaces the specific recruiters behind these positions so you can bypass general portals. Connecting with a human who understands the team needs is a more effective way to stand out than relying on an automated system.
