Systems Test Engineer (R5243)

InvestedintheMission; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total rewards package

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an experienced software test engineer to lead simulation-driven testing, automation, and quality efforts for Hivemind autonomy software. You will build and run automated test frameworks, validate software behavior in simulated and real-world missions, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams across software, hardware, and mechanics.

The role emphasizes developing regression, integration, and system-level tests, plus creating data-driven validation workflows for

Qualifications

• Requires a minimum of 4–7 years in related testing roles in robotics or autonomous systems.
• Proficient in Python and scripting for test automation.
• Experience with robotics, small UAS, or related engineering projects.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills; passionate about autonomous aircraft systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop automated regression, integration, and system-level tests for Hivemind software quality.
• Identify, reproduce, and diagnose issues; collaborate with development teams to drive fixes.
• Create and execute test plans and docs for autonomy software in simulation environments.
• Design and maintain simulation-based test frameworks for autonomy behavior and performance.
• Build Python tools to automate testing, data processing, and analysis workflows.
• Develop test harnesses for SIL/HIL/VIL and simulation environments.
• Contribute to testing methodologies, metrics, and performance benchmarks.
• Support scaling and reliability of simulation infrastructure for large-scale validation.
• Maintain detailed test documentation and ensure traceability across teams.
• Integrate test coverage into the CI/CD pipeline.

Skills

Python

Robotics experience

Analytical problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Excellent communication

Adaptability

Learning mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

HIL testing

VIL testing

CI/CD integration

C++

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Candidates for this role will 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 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years and a Master’s degree; or 4 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.

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.

Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.