Automation Engineer, Autonomy & Robotics Testing

AI Chopping Block, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is hiring a Software Test & Automation Engineer (L2) to join its defense-tech team. You will develop Python-based automated tests and tooling to validate autonomy software across simulated, SIL, HIL, and VIL environments, with a focus on rapid, repeatable test execution and robust validation practices.

You will collaborate with systems and flight-test groups to analyze results, improve coverage, and contribute to readiness assessments for mission-critical autonomous platforms.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related discipline; equivalent practical experience may be considered.
• Python programming experience from coursework, projects, research, or student teams.
• Familiarity with software development and debugging fundamentals.
• Interest in robotics, autonomy, aerospace, embedded systems, or software testing.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop Python-based automated tests, test utilities, and analysis tools supporting autonomy software validation.
• Support verification and validation across simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, and system environments.
• Build and improve regression, integration, functional, and performance tests with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Analyze test results, identify unexpected behavior, and assist with debugging software and integration issues.
• Develop scripts and tools that reduce manual testing effort and improve repeatability of test execution and analysis.
• Support the development of software quality metrics, dashboards, test reports, and readiness assessments.
• Assist with integrating automated tests into CI/CD workflows for rapid feedback to developers.
• Collaborate with autonomy software, systems engineering, flight test, and integration teams to understand validation requirements.
• Participate in laboratory and hardware testing of autonomous systems, sensors, flight controllers, networking equipment, and mission computers.
• Identify opportunities to improve test coverage, automation, documentation, and validation workflows.

Skills

Python

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Robotics interest

Education

Master’s degree in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

Linux

Git

Docker

Job description

Shield AI is hiring a Software Test & Automation Engineer (L2) to join its defense-tech team. You will develop Python-based automated tests and tooling to validate autonomy software across simulated, SIL, HIL, and VIL environments, with a focus on rapid, repeatable test execution and robust validation practices.

You will collaborate with systems and flight-test groups to analyze results, improve coverage, and contribute to readiness assessments for mission-critical autonomous platforms.