Staff Integration Lab Specialist (R3187)

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.

The Aircraft Software Test & Automation team is an ambitious, driven group of engineers focused on testing complex autonomy & aircraft software integrated onto vehicles and various hardware systems. The team is a cross-discipline group of test engineers, simulation engineers ,embedded engineers, devops and more; working closely with our Embedded, Autonomy and System Test teams, the Software Test & Automation team is chartered to provide (1) an advanced & robust infrastructure for building & releasing all aircraft software, and (2) rigorous, but fast testing via this infrastructure (2). Aircraft Engineering is building groundbreaking autonomous aircraft technologies, this team provides infrastructure, integration capabilities, and software solutions to do so.

As the Integration Lab Specialist on STA, what matters most is building & sustaining an operationally excellent lab environment, ideally innovating new tools & technologies to do so. You will oversee the operations & advancement of our integration lab, playing a pivotal role in the testing and validation of our aircraft software systems. From managing the lab and its operations, to building software and hardware tools for testing, this role provides a critical function for the team’s success. As the integration lab specialist, you will work closely alongside our engineers to build & sustain the lab, and it’s capabilities. This role bridges electro-mechanical technical skills, hands-on abilities to work with software, and meticulous organization skills; perfect for a motivated specialist aspiring to make technical impact amongst world-class engineers! 

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Oversee and ensure the efficient organization and operation of the integration lab, implementing processes that maximize safety, compliance, and productivity. Regularly review and innovate for optimization. Adopt the practices of 5S. 
• Systematically manage the configuration and inventory of test assets to uphold testing integrity and availability. Ideally, build tools to streamline & automate this process 
• Build essential hardware fixtures and cable harnesses needed for testing and validating aircraft software.
• Provide first level triage of test failures by reading and interpreting test logs and results 
• Use and maintain software tools that orchestrate various lab management tasks such as inventory management, event scheduling, and test execution. 
• Facilitate and enable key lab events such as simulation training sessions, feature demonstrations, and critical testing operations. Provide technical support during events, troubleshooting issues on-the-fly and ensuring all technical needs are met for successful event execution. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Professional experience managing a technical lab, workshop, or similar environment, with a track record of maintaining order, precision, and efficiency. 
• Proven ability in configuring software devices, troubleshooting integration issues, and revealing root-causes + potential fixes. 
• Strong ability in understanding mechanical and electrical drawings and blue-prints, proven ability to build test fixtures per design-specifications.
• Ability to fabricate and repair cable harnesses via soldering, crimping, assembling connectors 
• Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to preemptively identify and resolve issues to prevent impact on lab functionality and testing timelines. 
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to guide and support a team during lab events and testing procedures. 
• Basic competencies in writing or minimally using simple software tools or scripts to support lab operations; familiarity with languages such as Python or Bash is preferred. 
• Proven track record of successfully solving technical problems, showcasing the ability to navigate through early-design cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to exceed expectations in a fast-paced environment
• High school diploma or equivalency certificate 
• 3+ years of experience working in a hands-on technical position 
• 1+ years of experience performing electronic testing and inspection using portable measuring devices OR testing software using modern tools for execution and analysis 
• Ability to work at elevated heights occasionally (scissor lifts and articulated boom lifts). 
• Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 30 lbs. unassisted 
• Ability to work in outdoor environments as needed 
• Ability to work all shifts and available for overtime and weekends, as needed 
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PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree or higher in a STEM or similar field 
• Experience working in labs used for AI or Aircraft development. 
• Background in a fast-paced, R&D or startup environment. 
• Ability to solve complex problems with minimal supervision on tight schedules

Total package details for U.S. based positions:

- Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

- Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days

of employment)

- Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity

Total package details for International positions which are roles based outside of the United States (where applicable):

- International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer

allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.

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.

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.