Senior Engineer, Systems Test (R2882)

Are you a passionate and innovative engineer looking to help develop state-of-the-art AI aircraft? Are you eager to make a positive difference in the world? Do you want to work alongside mission-driven and values-focused teammates? Shield AI is just the place for you!

The Hivemind on X Test department (HMX Test) is a group on a mission to build comprehensive and robust testing infrastructure that supports the development and deployment of the world’s best AI pilot and most reliable aircraft. Hivemind Test is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of quality, reliability, and performance in our Hivemind software ecosystem. This ecosystem includes software for AI behaviors, embedded systems, system integration, and more. Our group is charged with validating and verifying our Hivemind software meets reliability standards and is operationally ready to meet mission objectives on aircraft, such as real-world jets, Shield AI’s V-BAT and beyond.

As a Hivemind on X Systems Test Engineer, you will be at the epicenter of integration and testing for our Hivemind Software and V-BAT aircraft. You will be integrating and testing SW and HW systems preparing them for on-ground and in-flight test campaigns. Our test campaigns are hands-on and fast-paced, with lots of debugging, coding, and system verification. Your efforts will be rewarded with successful flight test events and your contributions will play a key role in developing an AI autopilot, enabling intelligent aircraft, historic aviation firsts, and fulfilling our mission to protect service members and civilians the world over!

• Work with Hivemind and V-BAT engineering to test and integrate SW & HW systems preparing for flight tests.
• Support on-site flight testing that involves system configuration, running V-BAT software, and data post-analysis.
• Hands-on debugging during on-ground and in-flight test campaigns.
• Write Python code to test complex Hivemind + V-BAT SW and HW systems (with SW emphasis).
• Create SW based tools to improve flight test monitoring and debugging (Python and/or C++).
• Become a subject-matter-expert for running Hivemind tests on our Hardware-In-The-Loop and Vehicle-In-The-Loop systems.
• Run simulated flight tests to validate Hivemind / V-BAT subsystems.
• Contribute to software utilities and automated test suites for Hardware-In-The-Loop infrastructure.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate Hivemind SW and HW systems.
• Create test team data Dashboards to provide high-level results visibility and data analysis.
• Identify, analyze, and document software defects, issues, and inconsistencies in software behavior.
• Drive continuous improvement in testing methodologies, tools, and processes.
• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of test documentation, including test plans, and post flight-test reports.

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 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.

• Experience building and/or flying small aircraft, such as quadrotor drones or similar.
• FIRST Robotics experience.
• Proficiency in C++ (along with Python).
• Software management tools (Git, AzureDevOps/Jira, Artifactory).
• Experience in the aerospace or defense industries, working with complex systems and adhering to stringent standards and regulations.

$83,541 - $125,312 a year