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Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
As a co-op in Mission Systems, you will assist in integrating a mission payload into the V-BAT system, including documentation, testing, and validation of hardware/software. This hands-on role involves working under mentorship within aerospace integration processes.
Summary Generated by Built In
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.
Our 2026 Summer Internship program is a wonderful opportunity for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 graduates to immerse themselves in an innovative and mission driven culture. Our 10-week paid internship program will provide you with hands on mentorship, an opportunity to add real contribution to our company via your internship project, and a possible job offer at the end. You will have the chance to make lifelong friendships, expand your network, and learn all about what it's like to work in a high-growth, fast scaling tech unicorn. You'll take part in company sponsored events and enjoy exploring a new city. Read on below to learn more about this unique internship!
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.
Shield AI is seeking an exceptional Co-op candidate to join the team in building our autonomous aircraft. You will join a team of highly talented cross-functional engineers that exhibit a culture of mentorship, kindness, ownership, and hard work.
The ideal start date is June 2026, and the end date is flexible As a Mission Systems Engineering Co-op, you will support the integration of avionics, sensors, and mission payloads onto the V-BAT and our next-generation aircraft. You’ll work across hardware, software, and flight test environments to help bring real mission capabilities into the field.
This role is perfect for students who are hands-on, love building and debugging systems, and want exposure to the full lifecycle of aerospace hardware—from concept to flight testing.
What You'll Do:
- · Lead and assist in the full product lifecycle (integration and testing) of avionics, sensors, radios, and mission payloads on V-BAT aircraft
- · Lead rapid prototyping and 0→1 development efforts for new mission capabilities.
- · Support debug electrical, networking, and software-integration issues under the mentorship of senior engineers.
- · Build improvements to automate flight logs and test data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools and
- · Create schematics, wiring diagrams, system architecture, interface documentation, and test procedures.
- · Present in design reviews and collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and flight test teams.
Required qualifications:
- Background in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related hardware disciplines
- Demonstrated cross-functional experience (e.g., mechanical or electrical engineers with some exposure to software tools, or software students with hands-on hardware experience)
- Familiarity with system integration, basic prototyping, and interpreting engineering documentation (e.g., schematics, wiring diagrams, or CAD)
- Strong problem-solving abilities and a hands-on, iterative approach to engineering tasks
Preferred qualifications:
Experience with Python, MATLAB, or scripting for data analysis or test automation
Familiarity with embedded systems, firmware, or data interfaces
Exposure to mechanical or electrical CAD tools
Strong communication skills and experience working in multidisciplinary teams
#LI-SM1
Intern Program Dates:
June 1st - Aug 7th
OR
June 22nd - Aug 28th
*You MUST be available to start on EITHER June 1st or June 22nd.
#intern
Shield AI is proud to offer competitive pay and a housing stipend for qualified hires. While our People Experience team provides resources and assistance, interns are responsible to find their own housing and travel to and from their office location.
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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.
Top Skills
Matlab
Python
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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 nine 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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