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Senior Engineer, VBAT Software Test Automation (Hiring Multiple Levels)

Dallas, Texas
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

Shield AI has been redefining autonomous aviation with cutting-edge AI and GPS/RF-denied navigation technologies for the past few years.
We’re looking for a software engineer, well versed in development and testing, to help continue building V-BAT's test operations, specifically automation capabilities and tools used to test software components ranging from autonomy, embedded systems, ground control applications, and more – you will gather requirements and write software to automate them.  
This is an opportunity to build and solve problems defense primes are unwilling to. You’ll be supported by world-class engineers, but you’re expected to learn on the job and deliver weekly – you’ll need to be hungry and motivated to grow!

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

  • Work directly with our GNC and Embedded teams daily to build software that leverages simulation, avionics, and/or custom hardware to automate testing 
  • Define test cases to verify and validate embedded or GNC software at a system level, automating them to run continuously 
  • Implement software interfaces and drivers to orchestrate simulation environments, hardware devices, and test equipment – enabling real-world behaviors, failure injection, and hardware manipulation for various test scenarios 
  • Quickly prototype solutions using software & hardware to unblock testing, harden your prototype into scalable products for continuous release testing 
  • Support release test planning and execution leading up to flight test events and major product milestones 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 2+ years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree (CE, CS, EE); or some industry experience (intern, startup, self-projects) with a Master’s or PhD degree 
  • Strong C++ or Python skills, basic proficiency in the other 
  • Familiarity with common version control (git) and build/packaging systems (CMake, Poetry, etc) 
  • Passion for growth, fast-paced environments, and holding self to a high standard of excellence 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 5+ years of related experience building automated test solutions
  • Experience building automated test solutions for aircraft of autonomous vehicles
  • Experience in automated testing, bare-metal firmware development, or simulation tooling 
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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