Join a high-impact quality engineering team supporting next-generation autonomous systems deployed in demanding operational environments. This role works closely with engineering, manufacturing, test, and field operations teams to identify product quality issues, drive root cause investigations, and improve system reliability across the product lifecycle. You will serve as a key link between field performance and engineering execution by translating operational issues into measurable product improvements.
We are seeking a Field Quality Engineer with experience supporting complex hardware systems in aerospace, defense, robotics, or related industries, including failure analysis, corrective actions, reliability tracking, and cross-functional problem solving.
What you'll do:
- Investigate field-reported issues and drive root cause analysis across hardware, software, and integrated systems
- Partner with engineering, manufacturing, and test teams to implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
- Analyze reliability and performance trends to identify systemic quality issues and improve product robustness
- Support validation, troubleshooting, and failure reproduction efforts for fielded systems
- Develop quality metrics, reporting, and tracking tools to improve visibility into field performance and defect trends
- Coordinate issue resolution across cross-functional teams while ensuring timely communication and closure
Required qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in quality engineering, field engineering, systems integration, manufacturing quality, or related technical roles
- Strong experience with root cause analysis, failure investigation, and corrective action implementation in complex hardware environments
- Ability to diagnose system-level issues across mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces
- Experience analyzing reliability data, defect trends, and operational performance metrics
- Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to coordinate across engineering and operations teams
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced development and operational environments
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience supporting aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems programs
- Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, or regulated engineering environments
- Experience with environmental testing, system validation, or field operations support
- Experience using data analysis and reporting tools such as Python, SQL, Jira, Power BI, or Tableau
Skills Required
- 5+ years of experience in quality engineering, field engineering, systems integration, manufacturing quality, or related technical roles
- Strong experience with root cause analysis, failure investigation, and corrective action implementation in complex hardware environments
- Ability to diagnose system-level issues across mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces
- Experience analyzing reliability data, defect trends, and operational performance metrics
- Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to coordinate across engineering and operations teams
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced development and operational environments
- Experience supporting aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems programs
- Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, or regulated engineering environments
- Experience with environmental testing, system validation, or field operations support
- Experience using data analysis and reporting tools such as Python, SQL, Jira, Power BI, or Tableau
What the Team is Saying
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
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.
