Staff Engineer, Systems Test (R4151)

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:
Shield AI is building intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. The Hivemind Solutions Test Department ensures that Shield AI’s autonomy performs reliably across every platform and mission profile. 

We’re seeking a Staff Integration & Test Engineer to lead the development and execution of advanced testing strategies across simulation, HIL, and flight environments. In this senior technical role, you will define and architect test infrastructure, drive system validation at scale, and mentor cross-functional teams in best practices for testing autonomy software and integrated hardware systems. You’ll play a key leadership role in ensuring that Hivemind autonomy delivers operational excellence in the field. 

What you'll do::
Lead the design and implementation of system-level integration and test architectures for Hivemind autonomy systems.  Develop scalable test automation and infrastructure frameworks spanning simulation through real-world flight validation in C++ and Python.  Define test strategies and methodologies to ensure full verification and validation coverage across multiple aircraft and mission configurations.  Serve as the technical authority for integration and test, guiding design-for-testability, data collection, and system validation strategies.  Conduct deep system debugging and root-cause analysis, collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve complex hardware/software interactions.  Mentor and provide technical direction to junior and senior test engineers, elevating organizational test capabilities.  Support flight test operations, including pre-flight system configuration, instrumentation, and post-flight data analysis.  Interface with program managers and customers to communicate readiness, test results, and validation progress. 

Required qualification::
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline. 8+ years of experience in system integration, test planning, and validation of complex systems—ideally within robotics, aerospace, or autonomy. Deep technical expertise in test infrastructure, automation, and validation methodologies.  Strong proficiency in C++, Python and software/hardware integration principles.  Experience architecting and maintaining HIL/VIL and simulation environments.  Proven leadership in test planning, execution, and analysis for complex multi-system products.  Excellent communication, collaboration, and mentorship abilities.  U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance.

Preferred qualifications::
Experience with unmanned autonomous aerial or ground vehicles.  Background in defense, aerospace, or mission-critical robotics systems.  Expertise in data analysis, telemetry systems, or automated reporting.  Strong systems engineering mindset and familiarity with configuration management and verification processes.  Demonstrated success in scaling test organizations and processes in high-growth environments.  Passion for Shield AI’s mission and advancing intelligent autonomy for real-world use. 

#LI-LD1
#LD

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.

###

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.