Staff Software Test Engineer, Next-Gen Aircraft (R3696)

Shield AI; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI in Dallas, Texas is looking for a Software Test Engineer to lead monthly releases for their VBAT product. You'll define test cases, automate system-level testing, and ensure software readiness for flight operations.

With responsibilities ranging from test planning to cross-discipline collaboration, the ideal candidate should have 7+ years of experience with strong proficiency in Python or C++ and a degree in computer, computer engineering, or electrical engineering.

The role offers a competitive compensation package along with benefits and equity opportunities.

Qualifications

• 7+ years related experience for a BS degree, or 5+ years for a MS or PhD degree.
• Ability to lead software releases or complex test campaigns.
• Experience with automated testing and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Define test cases and release test plans for new software features.
• Automate system-level testing to validate new software.
• Facilitate weekly test and lab operations.

Skills

Test engineering for complex software systems

Automated testing

Strong communication skills

Organization skills

Collaboration

Proficiency in Python or C++

Education

BS degree in CE, CS, EE or equivalent

MS or PhD degree

Tools

Tools for automated testing

Requirements-traceability tools

Job description

We’re looking for a Software Test Engineer to join the Software Integration & Operations team, with the primary responsibility to lead monthly releases for our VBAT product and subsequently set the foundation for releasing software our next‑gen Group 5 aircraft. For software components ranging from autonomy, embedded systems, ground control applications, and more – you will lead their integration, release qualification, and continuous deployment to flight operations.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Define test cases and release test plans that assure new software features are validated across integration levels and qualified for flight
• Automate system‑level testing to continuous validate new software with hardware and simulation in the loop
• Facilitate weekly test & lab operations to assure developers and operators alike are equipped with the tools and instructions to evaluate software features
• Contribute to feature‑designs to assure designs are testable and tested
• Work with Flight Test Engineers and operators to define flight test campaigns assure software readiness
• Build and sustain tools to optimize requirements‑traceability between code, automated tests, and system requirements
• Set and improve software department wide standards for software testing, from quality gates, defect management, to configuration control.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Typically, 7+years of related experience with a BS degree (CE, CS, EE, or equivalent); or 5+ years with a MS or PhD degree
• Expert in test engineering for complex software systems. With proven success in testing with or without perfect requirements.
• Direct experience leading software releases or complex test campaigns, ideally for aircraft or autonomous vehicles
• Demonstrated capability in building software for automated testing
• Very strong communication and organization skills, with strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently in fast‑paced environments, on complex challenges warranting cross‑discipline collaboration

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years owning software release or test campaigns for aircraft or autonomous vehicles
• Experience driving tests across SIL, HIL, and VIL environments
• Excellent proficiency in Python or C++, primarily to build tools for automated testing
• Experience with requirements‑traceability and building modern tools to optimize the processes required for airworthiness, DO‑178C, or similar.

COMPENSATION & 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.

EEO STATEMENT

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.