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Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Design and own automated electrical test systems for UAV components. Develop PCBs and test fixtures, integrate relays/PLCs/PCBAs, automate test sequences with Python, perform environmental testing (HASS/ESS/HALT), and collaborate across disciplines to improve hardware testability and reliability.
Summary Generated by Built In
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and 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:
At Shield AI, we are revolutionizing defense technology to protect service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Our Hardware Test Engineering team plays a critical role in ensuring the V-BAT remains the most reliable, mission-ready UAV in the industry. We design cutting-edge test solutions—custom-built electrical and mechanical systems that push our hardware to its limits in real-world and extreme environments.
As an Electrical Engineer on our Hardware Test team, you’ll have the opportunity to design and automate test systems that validate everything from power electronics to RF communications. You'll work hands-on with PCB design, Python scripting, and advanced environmental testing (HASS, ESS, HALT) to ensure the highest standards of reliability. If you're passionate about building rock-solid hardware and thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, this role is for you.
What you'll do:
- Design and own test systems for critical UAV components and subsystems, from concept to validation.
- Work across multiple EE disciplines, including power electronics, RF, communications, and system integration.
- Develop PCBs to interface between test stands and the device-under-test (DUT).
- Build custom test fixtures integrating relays, PLCs, PCBAs, and harnessing for automated and high-fidelity testing.
- Automate test sequences using Python, ensuring repeatability, efficiency, and scalability.
- Collaborate in cross-functional design reviews, advocating for testability improvements that streamline hardware validation.
- Adapt and innovate in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment, where your work directly impacts mission success.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required qualifications:
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience OR you are an undergraduate, graduate or PhD student expected to graduate in 2026.
- Strong foundation in electrical, mechanical, and software engineering principles.
- Experience in multidisciplinary hardware projects—whether through internships, jobs, clubs, personal projects, or research.
- A track record of ownership, innovation, and delivering results in complex technical environments.
- A team-first mindset, holding yourself and others to high standards, while being adaptable and solution-oriented.
- A track record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others.
Preferred qualifications:
- Proficiency in Python or other scripting languages for automation.
- Experience with PCB design tools (Altium, KiCAD, Eagle, etc.).
- Familiarity with CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA) for mechanical fixture design.
- Ability to problem-solve under pressure and pivot quickly in a dynamic, fast-paced engineering environment.
#LI-JM2
#LA
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.
Skills Required
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience OR undergraduate/graduate/PhD student expected to graduate in 2026.
- Strong foundation in electrical, mechanical, and software engineering principles.
- Experience in multidisciplinary hardware projects (internships, jobs, clubs, personal projects, or research).
- Track record of ownership, innovation, and delivering results in complex technical environments.
- Team-first mindset, adaptable, solution-oriented, trustworthy, and high standards.
- Proficiency in Python or other scripting languages for automation.
- Experience with PCB design tools (Altium, KiCAD, Eagle, etc.).
- Familiarity with CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA) for mechanical fixture design.
- Ability to problem-solve under pressure and pivot quickly in a dynamic environment.
What the Team is Saying
Dylan
Lead Engineer, Planning and Controls-Motion
Mo
Lead Engineer, Platform Automation
Willy
Technical Director
Michael
Engineering Manager - State Estimation
Vibhav
Senior Staff Engineer
Kirby
Mechanical Engineer
Ryan
CEO
Evan
Senior Machine Learning Engineer
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials describe excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside a mental‑health EAP. Site perks such as an onsite gym in DC and a gym discount in San Diego support a health‑focused offering.
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Retirement Support — Careers materials highlight a 401(k) with company match as part of the standard package. A Total Rewards overview emphasizes retirement features within a broader, transparent compensation view.
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Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Compensation for in‑demand technical and senior go‑to‑market roles is described as competitive, with visible engineering ranges and top‑end packages. This points to meaningful upside tied to role, level, and scarce skills.
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The Company
What We Do
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 offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
Why Work With Us
What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy, and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges, we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software, AI, and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.
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Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Typical time on-site:
3 days a week
