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Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Design and build automated test capabilities for V-BAT: define and automate system-level test cases, implement interfaces/drivers for simulation and hardware, prototype and harden test solutions, and support release and flight test activities working with GNC and Embedded teams.
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.
Shield AI has been redefining autonomous aviation with cutting-edge AI and GPS/RF-denied navigation technologies for the past few years.
We’re looking for a software engineer, well versed in development and testing, to help continue building V-BAT's test operations, specifically automation capabilities and tools used to test software components ranging from autonomy, embedded systems, ground control applications, and more – you will gather requirements and write software to automate them.
This is an opportunity to build and solve problems defense primes are unwilling to. You’ll be supported by world-class engineers, but you’re expected to learn on the job and deliver weekly – you’ll need to be hungry and motivated to grow!
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
- Work directly with our GNC and Embedded teams daily to build software that leverages simulation, avionics, and/or custom hardware to automate testing
- Define test cases to verify and validate embedded or GNC software at a system level, automating them to run continuously
- Implement software interfaces and drivers to orchestrate simulation environments, hardware devices, and test equipment – enabling real-world behaviors, failure injection, and hardware manipulation for various test scenarios
- Quickly prototype solutions using software & hardware to unblock testing, harden your prototype into scalable products for continuous release testing
- Support release test planning and execution leading up to flight test events and major product milestones
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 2+ years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree (CE, CS, EE); or some industry experience (intern, startup, self-projects) with a Master’s or PhD degree
- Strong C++ or Python skills, basic proficiency in the other
- Familiarity with common version control (git) and build/packaging systems (CMake, Poetry, etc)
- Passion for growth, fast-paced environments, and holding self to a high standard of excellence
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of related experience building automated test solutions
- Experience building automated test solutions for aircraft of autonomous vehicles
- Experience in automated testing, bare-metal firmware development, or simulation tooling
#LI-SM1
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
- 2+ years related experience with a Bachelor's degree in CE, CS, or EE; or equivalent industry experience with a Master's/PhD
- Strong C++ or Python skills, with basic proficiency in the other
- Familiarity with version control (git) and build/packaging systems (CMake, Poetry)
- Ability to work in fast-paced environments and strong drive for growth and excellence
- 5+ years building automated test solutions
- Experience building automated test solutions for aircraft or autonomous vehicles
- Experience with automated testing, bare-metal firmware development, or simulation tooling
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.
Shield AI Insights
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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
