Engineer I, Software Test and Automation (R6216)

Shield; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Shield AI's Software Test & Automation Team develops the verification, validation, and automation capabilities that enable rapid delivery of Hivemind autonomy across the Expeditionary and Emerging Operations portfolio.

Our mission is to provide objective evidence of software quality, reliability, and mission readiness by building scalable automated test frameworks, repeatable validation environments, and data-driven readiness assessments spanning simulation, SIL, HIL, and VIL environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical 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 activities across simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, and representative system environments.
• Build and improve regression, integration, functional, and performance tests with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Analyze test results, identify unexpected system behavior, and assist with debugging software and integration issues.
• Develop scripts and tools that reduce manual testing effort and improve the 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 to provide rapid feedback to software developers.
• Collaborate with autonomy software, systems engineering, flight test, and integration teams to understand system behavior and 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 programming

Software debugging

Robotics interest

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

Linux

Git

Docker

ROS/ROS 2

ArduPilot

PX4

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.

Job Description:

Shield AI's Software Test & Automation Team develops the verification, validation, and automation capabilities that enable rapid delivery of Hivemind autonomy across the Expeditionary and Emerging Operations portfolio. Our mission is to provide objective evidence of software quality, reliability, and mission readiness by building scalable automated test frameworks, repeatable validation environments, and data-driven readiness assessments spanning simulation, Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), and Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL) environments.

As a Software Test & Automation Engineer (L1), you will work alongside experienced engineers to develop automated tests, improve validation tooling, analyze software performance, and support system-level verification activities for autonomous systems. You will gain hands-on experience working with autonomy software, simulation environments, hardware-in-the-loop systems, and real-world robotic platforms while contributing directly to the tools and processes used to evaluate software quality and mission readiness.

What you'll do:

• Develop Python-based automated tests, test utilities, and analysis tools supporting autonomy software validation.
• Support verification and validation activities across simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, and representative system environments.
• Build and improve regression, integration, functional, and performance tests with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Analyze test results, identify unexpected system behavior, and assist with debugging software and integration issues.
• Develop scripts and tools that reduce manual testing effort and improve the 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 to provide rapid feedback to software developers.
• Collaborate with autonomy software, systems engineering, flight test, and integration teams to understand system behavior and 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.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical 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.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with Linux, Git, or Docker.
• Exposure to automated testing, unit testing, or integration testing.
• Experience with robotics or engineering teams such as FIRST Robotics
• Familiarity with ArduPilot, PX4, ROS/ROS 2.
• Experience with sensors, flight controllers, embedded systems, or networking.
• Coursework or projects in robotics, controls, autonomy, computer vision, or embedded systems

$74,000 - $110,000 a year

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 toequal 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.