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Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Design and execute test strategies for flight-critical XBat software and systems. Develop test plans/procedures, run V&V and regression tests, analyze test data, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams to ensure performance, reliability, and mission readiness.
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.
We are seeking an experienced Staff Test Engineer to support the development, integration, and validation of XBat flight critical software systems. This role is responsible for designing and executing test strategies across hardware, software, and system-level components to ensure performance, reliability, and mission readiness.
Key responsibilities include developing test plans and procedures, executing verification and validation (V&V) efforts, analyzing test data, and collaborating cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams. The ideal candidate has strong experience with aerospace or defense systems, familiarity with regulatory standards (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254, MIL HDBK 516c), and a proven ability to troubleshoot complex system issues.
Qualifications include a degree in engineering or a related field, 7+ years of relevant experience, and strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills. Experience with automated testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and flight test support is highly desirable.
What you'll do:
- Develop test plans and procedures
- Executing verification and validation (V&V) efforts, a
- Analyze test data
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
- Hands-on experience in testing (e.g., 3–7+ years depending on level) across software, hardware, or integrated systems
- Knowledge of test methodologies including verification & validation (V&V), regression testing, and test case development
- Experience with test tools and automation, such as scripting (Python, MATLAB, or similar) and test frameworks
- Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, requirements, and system specifications
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and isolate defects
- Experience working in cross-functional teams (engineering, QA, systems, manufacturing)
- Familiarity with relevant standards (e.g., ISO, MIL-STD, DO-178C/DO-254 for aerospace/defense roles)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting and reporting test results
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience testing and troubleshooting complex embedded systems.
- Experience with large programs and fielding first of type systems.
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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
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
- 7+ years of relevant engineering/testing experience
- Hands-on experience testing software, hardware, or integrated systems
- Knowledge of verification & validation (V&V), regression testing, and test case development
- Experience with test tools and automation, including scripting (Python, MATLAB, or similar) and test frameworks
- Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, requirements, and system specifications
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot and isolate defects
- Experience working in cross-functional teams (engineering, QA, systems, manufacturing)
- Familiarity with aerospace/defense standards (DO-178C, DO-254, MIL-HDBK-516C, MIL-STD, ISO)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting and reporting test results
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance
- Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and flight test support
- Experience testing and troubleshooting complex embedded systems
- Experience with large programs and fielding first-of-type systems
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
