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 Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description:

We're seeking a Staff Integration & Test Engineer to lead advanced integration and test activities for Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy systems in Frisco, TX. You'll define and execute test strategies that span Hivemind Software integration, simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, vehicle-in-the-loop, and live flight operation, ensuring robust system performance and reliability in real-world mission environments.

As a senior technical leader, you'll architect test infrastructure, collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor teammates and drive continuous improvement in validation methodologies and test automation. This role is deeply hands-on and highly collaborative, working across software, hardware, systems, and flight test disciplines to ensure seamless integration of Hivemind autonomy on platforms such as VBAT.

Shield AI is scaling and growing rapidly, the ideal candidate will demonstrate adaptability, a growth mindset, and a willingness to learn new technologies and methodologies quickly in a fast-paced, evolving environment. This is an opportunity to grow alongside a company that is changing the world, building something insanely great with a mission-driven culture, a sense of urgency, and an unwavering commitment to protecting those who serve.

What you'll do:

• Lead system-level integration, test planning, and validation for advanced autonomous aircraft systems
• Define and implement test architectures, methodologies, and strategies across simulation, HIL, VIL, and flight environments.
• Own and manage comprehensive test plans, defining objectives, success criteria, procedures, and resource needs.
• Architect and evolve test infrastructure and automation frameworks that enable scalable and repeatable validation.
• Define Hivemind Software test release processes and quality release gates. Collaborate closely with software, hardware, and systems engineering teams to ensure robust integration and system readiness.
• Conduct hands-on debugging and validation of autonomy, avionics, and control systems.
• Lead flight test preparation, system configuration, and real-time troubleshooting during live events.
• Develop tools and utilities in Python (and optionally C++) to support automation, data analysis, and telemetry validation.
• Establish test documentation standards, ensuring traceability, repeatability, and knowledge sharing across teams.
• Mentor and provide technical direction to junior and senior engineers, fostering a culture of technical rigor and continuous improvement.
• Partner with program and mission teams to communicate test readiness, progress, and system performance effectively.

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.
• Proven expertise in test planning, including test plan creation, test case design, and validation tracking and software quality release processes.
• Deep understanding of test infrastructure, automation, and validation methodologies.
• Strong proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, and analysis; working knowledge of C++ preferred.
• Experience architecting and maintaining Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL), or similar real-time test systems.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex, multidisciplinary systems involving software, hardware, and controls.
• Demonstrated success leading technical projects, mentoring engineers, and defining test strategies for multi-system programs.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Adaptability, growth mindset, and willingness to learn new technologies quickly in a scaling, fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter with strong sense of urgency, initiative, and comfort operating in ambiguity.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience testing or integrating autonomous air, ground or sea vehicles.
• Background in defense, aerospace, or mission-critical robotics systems.
• Experience developing test infrastructure and automation frameworks at organizational scale.
• Familiarity with simulation and modeling tools for system-level validation.
• Knowledge of configuration management, verification processes, and data analytics for test reporting.
• Experience supporting flight test operations, including safety, instrumentation, and post-flight analysis.

$140,000 - $210,000 a year

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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.

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.