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Shield AI
Actively hiring

Senior Engineer, Systems Test (R5038)

Workplace
On-site
Commitment
Full-time
Seniority
Senior
Salary
$110,000 - $170,000/yr
Posted
Location
Washington, United States

This Senior Test Engineer role focuses on simulation-driven testing, automation, and software quality for Hivemind autonomy software. You will lead the development and execution of test frameworks, automate regression and integration tests, and collaborate with development teams to ensure reliability and performance across simulated and real-world mission environments. The role is based in Washington, DC, within the Hivemind Solutions Test Department.

Responsibilities

  • 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)

Requirements

  • 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.

Nice to have

  • 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

Benefits

  • 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.