Senior Engineer, Systems Test (R5038)

The Rundown AI, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rundown AI, Inc. is seeking a Senior Test Engineer to join our team in Washington, DC. This role focuses on simulation-driven testing and ensures the reliability of our autonomy software. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of relevant experience, proficiency in Python, and the ability to obtain a SECRET Clearance.

Join us to make a significant impact on our mission of advancing systems that protect lives, while working in a collaborative environment with a high-performing team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience or related qualifications.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a SECRET Clearance.
• Experience in robotics or small UAS projects is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead simulation-driven testing for Hivemind software.
• Develop automated regression tests to ensure software quality.
• Collaborate with development teams to drive fixes and improvements.

Skills

Proficiency in Python

Strong analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Collaboration skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Tools

C++

Software-in-the-Loop (SIL)

Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL)

Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL)

Job description

Job Description

The Hivemind Solutions Test Department is seeking a Senior Test Engineer (Software & Simulation Focus) to join our DC-based team. Since Shield AI's mission is to protect service members and civilians, the Hivemind Solutions Test Department makes this a reality by validating the reliability, safety, and performance of our world‑class autonomy software.

You’ll 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 3-5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 2-4 years and a Master’s degree; or 2 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
• The ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET Clearance. US citizenship is required as only US citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

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
• Active SECRET clearance preferred

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.