Hardware Test Engineering Spring Co-op (Mechanical) (January 2026)

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 nine 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 :

Our 2026 Co-Op program is an excellent opportunity for rising 2026 graduates to gain deep, hands-on experience in a mission-driven and innovative engineering environment. This paid, full-time program spans multiple months during the academic year, offering extended immersion in real-world hardware development and testing.

As a Co-Op on our Hardware Test Engineering team, you'll have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully across Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Software Engineering. You'll work cross-functionally, gain exposure to cutting-edge aerospace technology, and help build and maintain systems that ensure the reliable testing of our hardware products. Your work will have direct impact on critical test infrastructure - and may open the door to future full-time opportunities after graduation.

The ideal start date is January 2026, and the end date is flexible (around~6 months).

What you'll do :

• Design and build mechanical fixtures, mounts, and enclosures for test stands.
• Work with precision measurement equipment and mechanical subsystems.
• Support prototyping, fabrication, and integration of mechanical designs.
• Assist in design reviews and document test stand build processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications :

Preferred qualifications :

$37 - $54 an hour

Rising Bachelor's graduate = $37 / hour

Rising Master's graduate = $43 / hour

Rising PhD graduate = $54 / hour

This role may also be eligible for certain benefits like PTO, 401k, healthcare, etc.

#intern

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. 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.