Electrical Test & Rapid Prototype Engineer (R3102)

Shield AI; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative defense technology firm is seeking an Electrical Test & Rapid Prototype Engineer to join their dynamic Hardware Test Engineering team. This role involves designing and automating test systems for UAV components, ensuring the highest standards of reliability in extreme environments. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in electrical engineering, hands-on experience with PCB design, and proficiency in Python scripting. If you are passionate about building robust hardware and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact in the defense sector.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in electrical, mechanical, and software engineering principles.
• Experience in multidisciplinary hardware projects through internships or personal projects.

Responsibilities

• Design and own test systems for UAV components from concept to validation.
• Automate test sequences using Python for efficiency and repeatability.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Python Scripting

PCB Design

RF Communications

Mechanical Engineering Principles

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

PhD in Engineering

Tools

Altium

KiCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Electrical Test & Rapid Prototype Engineer (R3102)

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Electrical Test & Rapid Prototype Engineer (R3102)

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Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge—as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software). With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.

Job Description:

At Shield AI, we are revolutionizing defense technology to protect service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Our Hardware Test Engineering team plays a critical role in ensuring the V-BAT remains the most reliable, mission-ready UAV in the industry. We design cutting-edge test solutions—custom-built electrical and mechanical systems that push our hardware to its limits in real-world and extreme environments.

As an Electrical Engineer on our Hardware Test team, you’ll have the opportunity to design and automate test systems that validate everything from power electronics to RF communications. You'll work hands-on with PCB design, Python scripting, and advanced environmental testing (HASS, ESS, HALT) to ensure the highest standards of reliability. If you're passionate about building rock-solid hardware and thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, this role is for you.

What you'll do:

• Design and own test systems for critical UAV components and subsystems, from concept to validation.
• Work across multiple EE disciplines, including power electronics, RF, communications, and system integration.
• Develop PCBs to interface between test stands and the device-under-test (DUT).
• Build custom test fixtures integrating relays, PLCs, PCBAs, and harnessing for automated and high-fidelity testing.
• Automate test sequences using Python, ensuring repeatability, efficiency, and scalability.
• Collaborate in cross-functional design reviews, advocating for testability improvements that streamline hardware validation.
• Adapt and innovate in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment, where your work directly impacts mission success.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Required qualifications:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience OR you are an undergraduate, graduate or PhD student expected to graduate in 2025.
• Strong foundation in electrical, mechanical, and software engineering principles.
• Experience in multidisciplinary hardware projects—whether through internships, jobs, clubs, personal projects, or research.
• A track record of ownership, innovation, and delivering results in complex technical environments.
• A team-first mindset, holding yourself and others to high standards, while being adaptable and solution-oriented.
• A track record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others.
  
  

Preferred qualifications:

• Proficiency in Python or other scripting languages for automation.
• Experience with PCB design tools (Altium, KiCAD, Eagle, etc.).
• Familiarity with CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA) for mechanical fixture design.
• Ability to problem-solve under pressure and pivot quickly in a dynamic, fast-paced engineering environment.
  
  

$85,050 - $127,574 a year

#LA

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.

###

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Software Development

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