Senior Software Engineer, Hardware Test Automation

Front Door Defense; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 128,045 - 192,067; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Software Engineer, Hardware Test in Dallas, TX to build scalable test automation software for hardware test stands across programs.

You will develop Python drivers for hardware, implement test frameworks, evolve CI/CD pipelines, and create data-driven monitoring with Grafana to support aircraft validation and reliability.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related STEM field.
• Mastery of fundamental computer science topics.
• Advanced skillset for developing software in Python.
• Experience with Linux including Bash scripting and networking.
• Ability to configure and maintain small computer networks.
• Experience on complex software projects, including internships or personal projects.
• Proven ownership of outcomes and high standards.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and develop Python drivers and interfaces for hardware systems.
• Design and implement automated test frameworks for scalability and reliability across programs.
• Develop and evolve CI/CD pipelines for automated validation and deployment of test software.
• Build scalable test infrastructure and shared libraries for cross-team reuse.
• Automate provisioning and configuration management for test stands and environments.
• Develop real-time monitoring and data visualization tools (Grafana) for insights during tests.
• Lead and participate in design/code reviews to ensure reliability and observability.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and QA teams to integrate software in validation workflows.

Skills

Python

Linux

Bash scripting

Networking

CI/CD pipelines

Software debugging

Education

B.S. in Computer Science/Engineering

Mastery of CS topics

Tools

Grafana

CI/CD tooling

Test automation frameworks

Job description

Senior Software Engineer, Hardware Test (R4978)

Develop scalable test automation software for hardware test stands across programs.

Location: Dallas, Texas

Compensation: $128,045 - 192,067 USD / year

About The Role

Hardware Test Engineering Software Developer

Shield AI's mission is to protect the lives of service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The Hardware Test Engineering team contributes to this effort by designing test solutions that drive high hardware reliability on our V-BAT vehicle. These solutions are in-house designed electrical and mechanical equipment used to perform component and system-level testing, both at ambient and in simulated harsh environmental conditions.

In this role you will develop software that automates hardware testing, integrates test results with existing manufacturing software, create software infrastructure for scaling test automation to dozens of test stands, and create and manage databases for logging test results. Help us save lives as we strive to deliver the most highly reliable aerospace hardware in the industry.

What you'll do:

• Architect, design, and develop software drivers and interfaces in Python for hardware systems, including PCBAs, avionics, sensors, and automated test equipment.
• Design and implement automated test frameworks to validate aircraft components and subsystems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and repeatability across multiple programs.
• Develop and evolve CI/CD pipelines that enable continuous integration, automated validation, and seamless deployment of test stand software.
• Build and maintain scalable test infrastructure and shared libraries, promoting modularity, reusability, and consistency across teams and platforms.
• Automate system provisioning and configuration management to accelerate deployment and maintenance of new test stands and test environments.
• Develop real-time monitoring and data visualization tools (e.g., Grafana) to deliver actionable insights during test execution and system debugging.
• Lead and participate in design and code reviews, championing sound architectural principles, testability, observability, and reliability throughout the software stack.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, systems, and QA teams to integrate software and test capabilities into broader aircraft validation workflows.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications:

• B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
• Mastery of fundamental computer science topics.
• Advanced skillset for developing software in Python.
• Experience with Linux including Bash scripting and networking.
• Ability to configure and maintain small computer networks.
• Experience working on complex software development projects, which can be from an internship, job, club, team, personal project, etc…
• Demonstrated history of showing ownership of project outcomes and delivering exceptional results.
• Record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others.

Preferred qualifications:

• Comfort working with hardware, as the testcases you write will interface with circuit boards, motors, and sensors.
• Mastery of fundamental engineering concepts including EE, Mech E, Programming, Physics, and Mathematics.
• Experience writing drivers for electronics test equipment.
• Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and the ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful outcomes.

$128,045 - $192,067 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 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.