Shield AI

Engineer II, Software Test and Automation

Shield AI · Washington, DC
Washington, DC $92K–$140K Posted 2026-10-10
Salary
$92K–$140K
Type
Full-time
Experience
2+ yr

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 www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

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.

  • Develop Python-based automated tests, test utilities, and analysis tools supporting autonomy software validation.
  • Support verification and validation activities across simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, and representative system environments.
  • Build and improve regression, integration, functional, and performance tests with guidance from experienced engineers.
  • Analyze test results, identify unexpected system behavior, and assist with debugging software and integration issues.
  • Develop scripts and tools that reduce manual testing effort and improve the repeatability of test execution and analysis.
  • Support the development of software quality metrics, dashboards, test reports, and readiness assessments.
  • Assist with integrating automated tests into CI/CD workflows to provide rapid feedback to software developers.
  • Collaborate with autonomy software, systems engineering, flight test, and integration teams to understand system behavior and validation requirements.
  • Participate in laboratory and hardware testing of autonomous systems, sensors, flight controllers, networking equipment, and mission computers.
  • Identify opportunities to improve test coverage, automation, documentation, and validation workflows.
  • Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent practical experience may be considered.
  • Python programming experience from coursework, projects, research, or student teams.
  • Familiarity with software development and debugging fundamentals.
  • Interest in robotics, autonomy, aerospace, embedded systems, or software testing.
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
  • Experience with Linux, Git, or Docker.
  • Exposure to automated testing, unit testing, or integration testing.
  • Experience with sensors, flight controllers, embedded systems, or networking.
  • Coursework or projects in robotics, controls, autonomy, computer vision, or embedded systems
PythonDocker
$110K — 10th pctl $270K — 90th pctl
This role’s midpoint $116K vs. market median $180K for Engineering roles
-35%
below median
Based on 10,000+ Engineering roles with disclosed salary ranges tracked on NewJob.
Shield AI

Shield AI

Defense Tech · Private · San Diego, USA

Stage & Valuation
Private · $12.7B
Key Investors
Andreessen Horowitz, L3Harris, Advent International
Open roles on NewJob
Most hiring in
Engineering (174) · BizOps (23) · Operations (19)
Shield AI is a defense technology company that builds AI pilots and next-generation autonomous aircraft to protect service members and civilians. Their core product is Hivemind, an AI-powered autonomy developer platform for military systems.
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