Senior Engineer, Systems Test Infrastructure (R3232)

About Shield AI

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms, enabling complex missions with high reliability in contested environments. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and internationally, Shield AI’s products actively support U.S. and allied operations worldwide.

For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn,Twitter, and Instagram.

Are you a passionate and innovative engineer looking to help develop state-of-the-art AI aircraft? Are you eager to make a positive difference in the world? Do you want to work alongside mission driven and values focused teammates? Shield AI is just the place for you!

The Hivemind Solutions Test department (HMS Test) is a group on a mission to build comprehensive and robust testing infrastructure that supports the development and deployment of the world’s best AI pilot and most reliable aircraft. Hivemind Test is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of quality, reliability, and performance in our Hivemind software ecosystem. This ecosystem includes software for AI behaviors, embedded systems, system integration, and more. Our group is charged with validating and verifying our Hivemind software meets reliability standards and is operationally ready to meet mission objectives on aircraft, such as real world jets, Shield AI’s V-BAT and beyond.

As a Systems Test Infrastructure Engineer, you will be at the epicenter of integration and testing for deploying our Hivemind Software and AI Pilot on various aircraft platforms. You will be helping us build infrastructure to execute the integration and testing of SW and HW systems throughout on-ground and in-flight test campaigns. Our test campaigns are hands-on and fast paced, depending on high-fidelity simulation hardware to ensure high-quality flight software releases. Your efforts will be rewarded with successful flight test events and your contributions will play a key role in developing an AI autopilot, enabling intelligent aircraft, historic aviation firsts and fulfilling our mission to protect service members and civilians the world over! 

What You'll Do:

• Design, build and maintain Hivemind Hardware-in-the-loop infrastructure including physical mechanical design and building fixtures with lab technicians. 
• Create software support utilities and automated test suites for Hardware-In-The-Loop test fixtures. 
• Lead sensor integration into HMS targeted platforms. 
• Create SW based tools to improve flight testing and troubleshooting (Python and/or C++). 
• Hands-on testing, integration and debugging during on-ground and in-flight test campaigns. 
• Work with Hivemind and Hivemind Solutions engineering to test and integrate software and hardware systems preparing for simulation milestones and flight tests. 
• Support on-site flight testing that involves system configuration, running aircraft software, and data post-analysis.
• Become a subject-matter-expert for running Hivemind tests on our Hardware-In-The-Loop and Vehicle-In-The-Loop systems. 
• Run simulated flight tests to validate Hivemind + aircraft subsystems. 
• Contribute to and execute test plans to validate Hivemind SW and HW systems.
• Drive continuous improvement in testing methodologies, tools, and processes 

Required Qualifications:

• Level 3 - Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 4 years and a Master’s degree; or 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience. 
• Proficiency in Python (or C++)
• The ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET Clearance.
• Hands-on mechanical and electrical engineering skills. 
• Experience in robotics, small UAS, or related hands-on engineering projects. 
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills .
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional software, hardware and mechanical engineering teams.
• Adaptability and a willingness to learn new technologies and methodologies quickly in a fast-paced environment with a bias towards action. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exposure to CAD software (i.e.. SolidWorks). 
• Experience building and/or flying small aircraft, such as quadrotor drones or similar. 
• FIRST Robotics experience. 
• Software management tools (Git, AzureDevOps/Jira, Artifactory).
• Experience in the aerospace or defense industries, working with complex systems and adhering to stringent standards and regulations. 
• Active SECRET clearance 

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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.