Hardware Test Engineering Spring Co-op (Software) (January 2026)

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 nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the 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. 

Job Description:
Our 2026 Co-Op program is an excellent opportunity for rising 2026 graduates to gain deep, hands-on experience in a mission-driven and innovative engineering environment. This paid, full-time program spans multiple months during the academic year, offering extended immersion in real-world hardware development and testing.

As a Co-Op on our Hardware Test Engineering team, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully across Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Software Engineering. You’ll work cross-functionally, gain exposure to cutting-edge aerospace technology, and help build and maintain systems that ensure the reliable testing of our hardware products. Your work will have direct impact on critical test infrastructure — and may open the door to future full-time opportunities after graduation.

The ideal start date is January 2026, and the end date is flexible (around~6 months).

What you'll do::
Develop automated test scripts and frameworks in Python. Build and maintain test cases for PCBAs, electrical fixtures, and system-level validation. Implement data pipelines and visualize results in Grafana dashboards. Collaborate with ME/EE interns to integrate automation into test stands. Analyze large volumes of test data to improve test coverage and reliability. Other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications::
You are an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD student expected to graduate in December 2025 or Spring 2026. Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM field. Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals relevant to your discipline. Experience with hands-on technical work in a lab, production, or project setting. Demonstrated history of taking ownership of projects and delivering results. Record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others.

Preferred qualifications::
Experience writing Python test scripts. Familiarity with Grafana or other data visualization tools. Knowledge of databases and test data pipelines. Experience interfacing with hardware APIs, drivers, or lab automation tools. Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful outcomes.

#intern

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.