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Senior Engineer, Systems Test (R5038)

Washington, DC
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

The Hivemind Solutions Test Department is seeking a Senior Test Engineer (Software & Simulation Focus) to join our DC-based team. Since Shield AI's mission is to protect service members and civilians, The Hivemind Solutions Test Department makes this a reality by validating the reliability, safety, and performance of our world-class autonomy software.

You’ll lead simulation-driven testing, automation, and software quality efforts for Hivemind, building and executing test frameworks that ensure our autonomy software performs reliably across simulated and real-world mission environments.

Shield AI is growing quickly, and we're looking for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, embraces learning, and brings a high-ownership, mission-driven mindset. This is a chance to have a real impact—advancing autonomy that protects lives—while working with a collaborative, high-performing team.

What you'll do:

  • Develop automated regression, integration, and system-level tests to ensure Hivemind software quality and stability across releases
  • Identify, reproduce, and diagnose software issues—collaborating closely with development teams to drive fixes and improvements
  • Create and execute test plans and documentation for autonomy software in simulated environments, ensuring mission and safety requirements are met
  • Design, implement, and maintain simulation-based test frameworks to validate Hivemind autonomy behavior and performance
  • Build tools and utilities in Python to automate testing, data processing, and analysis workflows
  • Develop test harnesses and data validation tools for Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) / Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) / Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL) and simulation environments
  • Contribute to the definition of testing methodologies, metrics, and performance benchmarks for autonomy software validation
  • Support the scaling and reliability of simulation infrastructure used for large-scale software validation
  • Maintain detailed and accurate test documentation, ensuring traceability and knowledge sharing across teams
  • Work with developers to integrate test coverage directly into the development pipeline (CI/CD)

Required qualifications:

  • Typically requires a minimum of 3-5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 2-4 years and a Master’s degree; or 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
  • Proficiency in Python
  • Experience in robotics, small UAS, or related hands-on engineering projects
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills
  • Passionate about intelligent aircraft systems
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional software, hardware and mechanical engineering teams
  • Adaptability and a willingness to learn new technologies and methodologies quickly in a fast-paced environment 
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET Clearance. US citizenship is required as only US citizens are eligible for a security clearance. 

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience testing autonomous systems, robotics software, or flight autonomy algorithms
  • Familiarity with C++ and software/hardware integration concepts.
  • Experience with HIL or VIL test environments.
  • Exposure to machine learning or AI-driven autonomy systems.
  • Background in simulation infrastructure design, distributed testing, or test data management.
  • Quality Assurance (QA) experience, including process definition, metrics, and validation tracking
  • Experience with aerospace, defense, or mission-critical software
  • Active SECRET clearance preferred
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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