Expression of Interest: Senior Biomechanical Engineer (Defense Systems – Soft Exoskeletons)

United States
Type: Full time
Register Interest

Sentient Shield is currently accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for this role to build our talent pipeline for upcoming defense contract phases. We are not actively hiring for an immediate start but welcome qualified candidates to submit their credentials for future consideration.

About Sentient Shield

Sentient Shield was born from a singular goal: to ensure that those who go into harm's way return home stronger. By combining Humanics-focused engineering with next-generation material science, we are empowering the modern soldier to move faster, stay longer, and survive the unsurvivable.

Job Overview

We are seeking a Senior Biomechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, and physiological integration of next-generation soft exoskeleton systems for defense applications. In this role, you will bridge human biomechanics, textile engineering, and smart actuation to reduce metabolic cost and prevent musculoskeletal injuries in field personnel. You will drive cross-functional projects from concept to military-grade validation, directly impacting soldier endurance and operational capability.

Key Responsibilities

  • System Design: Lead the architecture and integration of soft, textile-based exoskeleton systems, smart fabrics, and flexible actuation components.

  • Human-Machine Integration: Optimize physical interfaces to ensure the system conforms safely to human anatomy during high-dynamic movements.

  • Biomechanical Modeling: Develop advanced musculoskeletal and rigid-body simulations to predict load distribution, joint stress, and metabolic reduction.

  • Field & Lab Testing: Design and execute metabolic-cost testing, electromyography (EMG) studies, and multi-terrain gait analysis.

  • On-Site Field Trials: Lead and execute live testing protocols directly on-site at military bases, installations, and rugged in-field environments.

  • Military Qualification: Oversee ruggedization, environmental testing (MIL-STD-810), and human-factors engineering protocols for harsh operational environments.

  • Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner with textile designers, control systems engineers, and defense stakeholders to drive technical development.

  • Technical Mentorship: Guide junior engineers and manage technical risk assessments throughout the product lifecycle.

Required Qualifications

  • Citizenship & Compliance: Must be a U.S. citizen or a national of a NATO alliance country.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Must meet all criteria to maintain compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

  • Travel Availability: Ability and willingness to travel frequently to military installations and remote testing sites for field trials.

  • Education: Master’s or Ph.D. in Biomechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.

  • Experience: Minimum of 5–7 years of engineering experience, with a proven track record in wearable robotics, exoskeletons, or smart textiles.

  • Simulation Tools: Deep proficiency in musculoskeletal modelling software (e.g., OpenSim, AnyBody) and kinematics processing.

  • Data Analysis: Advanced skills in MATLAB, Python, or R for parsing complex biomechanical datasets, kinematics, and EMG signals.

  • Lab Expertise: Hands-on experience with 3D motion capture systems, force plates, and metabolic carts.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience with soft robotics, pneumatic/cable actuation, or strain-gauge sensor integration.

  • Familiarity with military standards for human factors engineering (MIL-STD-1472).

  • Background in evaluating human performance under heavy load-carriage conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sentient Shield is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations.

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