Systems Test Engineer (R5243)

Lever, Inc.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a testing leader for simulation-driven validation of Hivemind autonomy software. You’ll build automated test frameworks, run regression suites, and collaborate with software, hardware, and mechanics teams to deliver reliable autonomy across simulated and real-world environments.

You’ll design tests, write Python tooling, and contribute to CI/CD integration, ensuring mission-critical reliability while operating in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
• Proficiency in Python.
• Robotics or small UAS hands-on engineering background.
• Strong analytical and debugging abilities; able to work with cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop automated regression, integration, and system-level tests for Hivemind software quality.
• Identify, reproduce, and diagnose software issues; collaborate with development teams to drive fixes.
• Create and execute test plans for autonomy software in simulated environments with mission/safety requirements.
• Design, implement, and maintain simulation-based test frameworks for autonomy behavior and performance.
• Build Python tooling 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 used for validation.
• Maintain detailed test documentation and ensure traceability across teams.
• Work with developers to integrate test coverage into CI/CD pipelines.

Skills

Python

Robotics experience

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

PhD

Tools

C++

Job description

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, V-BAT and X-BATaircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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.