Senior Engineer, Autonomy Systems Integration and Test (R4472)

Location: San Diego, California
Team: Integration & Test
Department: Hivemind Solutions Division
Commitment: Full Time Employee
Workplace Type: onsite

What you’ll do:

• Execute hands‑on integration and testing of Hivemind autonomy systems on Group 1–2 platforms, with opportunities to contribute to Group 5 systems
• Debug and troubleshoot complex system issues across autonomy, flight controllers, radios, networking, and software interfaces
• Develop and execute test plans across simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, and real flight environments
• Support flight test operations including system bring‑up, pre‑flight checks, in‑flight monitoring, and post‑flight analysis
• Build and maintain test tools, automation, and infrastructure in Python and C++
• Analyze test data and drive root cause investigations to improve system performance and reliability
• Collaborate closely with software, hardware, and flight test teams to ensure seamless integration
• Operate effectively in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments where systems and processes are still evolving
• Identify and implement improvements to test efficiency, coverage, and system robustness

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 4–7 years of experience in integration and testing of robotics, autonomy, aerospace, or similar complex systems
• Strong hands‑on experience working with real hardware systems and field or flight testing
• Experience with SIL, HIL, and VIL environments
• Proficiency in Python and/or C++ for scripting, automation, or debugging
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex, cross‑disciplinary systems (hardware, software, communications)
• Comfortable working in ambiguous environments with evolving requirements
• Strong sense of ownership, urgency, and problem‑solving mindset
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a SECRET clearance

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with unmanned aerial systems (fixed‑wing, quadrotor, or both)
• Background in autonomy, robotics, or aerospace systems
• Familiarity with flight controllers, radios, and communications systems
• Experience supporting flight test operations
• Hands‑on background such as FIRST Robotics, maker projects, or similar practical experience
• Experience contributing to automated test frameworks or infrastructure
• Active SECRET clearance

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture‑backed deep‑tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V‑BAT and X‑BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the 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 mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The Hivemind Solutions Test Department brings this mission to life by integrating and validating autonomy across a range of unmanned aircraft systems, from small Group 1 platforms up to larger Group 5 aircraft.
We are seeking a Senior Autonomy Integration & Test Engineer to lead hands‑on integration and testing of Hivemind autonomy systems across Group 1 and Group 2 aircraft. This role is deeply practical, involving real hardware, real aircraft, and real‑world problem solving. You will work across simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, and live flight environments to ensure our systems perform reliably in the field.
This is an ideal role for someone who thrives in ambiguity, moves with urgency, and enjoys digging into complex system issues across flight controllers, radios, communication interfaces and autonomy. You will play a key role in bridging software, hardware, and flight operations while helping scale our testing capabilities.

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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.