Senior Engineer, Systems Test (R3232)
Shield AI
Washington, DC, USA
Posted on Mar 11, 2025
About Shield AI
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms, enabling complex missions with high reliability in contested environments. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and internationally, Shield AI’s products actively support U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn,Twitter, and Instagram.
Are you a passionate and innovative engineer looking to help develop state-of-the-art AI aircraft? Are you eager to make a positive difference in the world? Do you want to work alongside mission driven and values focused teammates? Shield AI is just the place for you!
The Hivemind Solutions Test department (HMS Test) is a group on a mission to build comprehensive and robust testing infrastructure that supports the development and deployment of the world’s best AI pilot and most reliable aircraft. Hivemind Test is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of quality, reliability, and performance in our Hivemind software ecosystem. This ecosystem includes software for AI behaviors, embedded systems, system integration, and more. Our group is charged with validating and verifying our Hivemind software meets reliability standards and is operationally ready to meet mission objectives on aircraft, such as real world jets, Shield AI’s V-BAT and beyond.
As a Hivemind Solutions Systems Test Engineer, you will be at the epicenter of integration and testing for deploying our Hivemind Software and AI Pilot on 3rd Party Platforms. You will be planning and executing the integration and testing of SW and HW systems throughout the Software Development Life Cycle, preparing them for simulation demonstrations and on-ground and in-flight test campaigns. Our test campaigns are hands-on and fast paced, with lots of planning, documentation, communication, coordination, manual testing, scripted testing, test reviewing, debugging, and system verification. Your efforts will be rewarded with successful flight test events and your contributions will play a key role in developing an AI autopilot, enabling intelligent aircraft, historic aviation firsts and fulfilling our mission to protect service members and civilians the world over!
What You'll Do:
- Work with Hivemind and Hivemind Solutions engineering to test and integrate software and hardware systems preparing for simulation milestones and flight tests.
- Support on-site flight testing that involves system configuration, running aircraft software, and data post-analysis.
- Hands-on debugging during on-ground and in-flight test campaigns.
- Write Python code to test complex Hivemind + aircraft SW and HW systems (with SW emphasis).
- Create SW based tools to improve flight testing and troubleshooting (Python and/or C++).
- Become a subject-matter-expert for running Hivemind tests on our Hardware-In-The-Loop and Vehicle-In-The-Loop systems.
- Run simulated flight tests to validate Hivemind + aircraft subsystems.
- Contribute to software utilities and automated test suites for Hardware-In-The-Loop infrastructure.
- Contribute to and execute test plans to validate Hivemind SW and HW systems.
- Create test team data Dashboards to provide high-level results visibility and data analysis.
- Review artifacts related to simulated and real flight test data for any anomalous behavior
- Identify, analyze, and document software defects, issues, and inconsistencies in software behavior.
- Drive continuous improvement in testing methodologies, tools, and processes
Required Qualifications:
- Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 4 years and a Master’s degree; or 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
- The ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET Clearance.
- Proficiency in Python.
- Experience in robotics, small UAS, or related hands-on engineering projects.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills .
- Passionate about intelligent aircraft systems.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional software, hardware and mechanical engineering teams.
- Adaptability and a willingness to learn new technologies and methodologies quickly in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience building and/or flying small aircraft, such as quadrotor drones or similar.
- Proficiency in Python and C++.
- FIRST Robotics experience.
- Software management tools (Git, AzureDevOps/Jira, Artifactory).
- Experience in the aerospace or defense industries, working with complex systems and adhering to stringent standards and regulations.
- Active SECRET clearance
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Total package details for U.S. based positions:
- Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
- Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days
of employment)
- Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity
Total package details for International positions which are roles based outside of the United States (where applicable):
- International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer
allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.
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.
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.