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Hardware Test – Senior Electrical Engineer (R4000) (BOS)

Boston, MA
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

At Shield AI, we are revolutionizing defense technology to protect service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Our Hardware Test Engineering team plays a critical role in ensuring the V-BAT remains the most reliable, mission-ready UAV in the industry. We design cutting-edge test solutions—custom-built electrical and mechanical systems that push our hardware to its limits in real-world and extreme environments.
As a Senior Electrical Engineer on our Hardware Test team, you will own the design and development of test systems that push our hardware to its limits. From designing custom PCBs and automated test sequences to developing electrical and mechanical test stands, you’ll be at the forefront of ensuring the highest reliability in aerospace hardware. This is a high-impact role where your expertise in power electronics, RF, communications, and automation will help shape the future of intelligent defense systems.
This role would require ~25% (1 week/month) travel to our Dallas, TX office.

What you'll do:

  • Lead the design, validation, and deployment of advanced test systems for V-BAT’s critical components and subsystems.
  • Architect PCBs and test interfaces for power electronics, RF, and communication systems.
  • Develop automated test sequences in Python, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and repeatability.
  • Design and integrate custom test fixtures, including relays, PLCs, PCBAs, and harnessing.
  • Own and drive cross-functional design reviews, advocating for design-for-testability (DFT) improvements.
  • Work hands-on with HASS, ESS, and HALT testing, validating performance in simulated harsh environments.
  • Be a technical mentor, guiding junior engineers and contributing to Shield AI’s growing expertise in hardware test engineering.
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Required qualifications:

  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field.
  • 3+ years of industry experience in hardware design and test engineering (or equivalent experience with advanced degrees).
  • Deep expertise in electrical design, mechanical, and software engineering principles as applied to hardware test systems.
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to ~25% (1 week/month) to our Dallas, TX office.
  • Proven ability to design, implement, and validate multidisciplinary hardware systems in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
  • Track record of ownership—driving projects from concept to execution, delivering exceptional results.
  • A team-first mindset, with high standards for yourself and others, and a passion for solving complex technical challenges. 
  • Track record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others. 

Preferred qualifications:

  • Proficiency in Python or another scripting language for test automation.
  • Hands-on experience with PCB design tools (Altium, KiCAD, Eagle) and CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA).
  • Experience working in rugged, high-reliability industries like aerospace, defense, or automotive.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to pivot quickly in dynamic, evolving environments.
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. 

About Shield AI

Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company building autonomous AI systems for aircraft, drones, and intelligent mission software used in complex military environments. Founded in 2015, the company is best known for developing Hivemind, an AI pilot system that enables aircraft and drones to operate autonomously in contested and GPS-denied environments, supporting U.S. and allied defense missions.

For job seekers, Shield AI offers opportunities across advanced fields including artificial intelligence, robotics, software engineering, autonomy systems, aerospace engineering, embedded systems, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, AI researchers, and defense professionals who want to work on real-world autonomous systems that are actively being deployed in operational military scenarios.

Unlike traditional defense contractors, Shield AI operates with a startup-style engineering culture focused on rapid experimentation, real-world testing, and fast deployment of autonomous capabilities. Employees work on tightly integrated AI and robotics systems that combine perception, decision-making, and control, enabling platforms to operate without direct human input in highly complex environments.

As modern warfare increasingly shifts toward autonomous systems, distributed sensing, and AI-enabled decision-making, Shield AI continues to grow as one of the most prominent companies in next-generation defense technology. For professionals seeking to build cutting-edge autonomy systems with direct mission impact, Shield AI stands out as a leading employer in the defense innovation ecosystem.

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