Staff Engineer, Software Test (R4784)

Shield; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Test Engineer to support the development, integration, and validation of XBat flight-critical software systems. You will design and execute test strategies across hardware, software, and system-level components to ensure performance and mission readiness.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Engineering or Computer Science and 7+ years of relevant experience, with hands-on testing, HIL, and automation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 3–7+ years of testing across software, hardware, or integrated systems.
• Knowledge of verification & validation (V&V), regression testing, and test case development.
• Experience with test tools and automation, such as scripting (Python, MATLAB, or similar) and test frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop test plans and procedures
• Execute verification and validation (V&V) efforts
• Analyze test data
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams

Skills

Test planning

V&V testing

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Python scripting

MATLAB scripting

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/CS

Tools

Test automation tools

HIL (hardware-in-the-loop)

Test frameworks

Job description

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-BAT aircraft, 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 Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

We are seeking an experienced Staff Test Engineer to support the development, integration, and validation of XBat flight critical software systems. This role is responsible for designing and executing test strategies across hardware, software, and system-level components to ensure performance, reliability, and mission readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop test plans and procedures
• Execute verification and validation (V&V) efforts
• Analyze test data
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams

Qualifications

Qualifications include a degree in engineering or a related field, 7+ years of relevant experience, and strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills. Experience with automated testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and flight test support is highly desirable.

What You'll Do

• Develop test plans and procedures
• Execute verification and validation (V&V) efforts
• Analyze test data
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
• Hands‑on experience in testing (e.g., 3–7+ years depending on level) across software, hardware, or integrated systems
• Knowledge of test methodologies including verification & validation (V&V), regression testing, and test case development
• Experience with test tools and automation, such as scripting (Python, MATLAB, or similar) and test frameworks
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, requirements, and system specifications
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and isolate defects
• Experience working in cross‑functional teams (engineering, QA, systems, manufacturing)
• Familiarity with relevant standards (e.g., ISO, MIL‑STD, DO‑178C/DO‑254 for aerospace/defense roles)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting and reporting test results
• Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience testing and troubleshooting complex embedded systems
• Experience with large programs and fielding first of type systems

Compensation and Benefits

• 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.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

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.

Recruitment Process

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.