Shieldai · Sur site · Washington, D.C.
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.
Job Description:
The Hivemind Solutions HIL Infrastructure and Test Engineering Team is seeking an Integration Engineer II to develop and test the systems that bring Hivemind mission autonomy and vision capabilities onto real aircraft. You'll build Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) infrastructure, develop automated tests, and validate mission autonomy software in HIL and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) environments. You'll also support vision system development through HIL testing and hands on integration of imaging sensors, onboard processing, camera pods, and gimbals for crewed and uncrewed aircraft. Working across software, electrical, and mechanical disciplines, you'll own integration and test tasks from setup through validation, collaborating with experienced engineers to resolve issues and prepare systems for ground and flight testing. We're looking for someone who enjoys building and debugging complex systems, embraces learning, and takes ownership of delivering reliable results.
What you'll do:
Develop, build, and maintain HIL test infrastructure for mission autonomy and vision systems, including electrical integration, mechanical fixtures, and sensor interfaces, working with engineers and lab technicians.
Create and execute integration, regression, and system test plans for Hivemind mission autonomy software in HIL, SIL, and Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL) environments, including simulated flight and mission scenarios.
Build Python tools and automated test utilities for test execution, data collection, and analysis across hardware and simulation environments.
Develop and execute HIL tests for vision systems to validate imaging, onboard processing, detection capabilities, and hardware/software interfaces throughout development and software releases.
Identify, reproduce, and diagnose failures using test data, system logs; collaborate with development teams to resolve issues and verify fixes.
Improve test fixtures, automation, and test coverage through rapid prototyping and repeatable validation methods; document test configurations, procedures, and results.
Install, integrate, and perform functional checkout of vision systems, including camera pods, gimbals, imaging sensors, onboard processing hardware, and supporting electronics on test assets and aircraft.
Load, configure, and validate software and firmware releases; maintain accurate hardware, software, and asset records so lab and field configurations remain reproducible.
Troubleshoot sensor, compute, power, network, and mechanical interfaces using wiring diagrams, pinouts, logs, and test equipment; perform connector inspections, continuity checks, and basic wiring work under established procedures.
Support ground and flight tests, customer demonstrations, and field evaluations through equipment setup, system configuration, data collection, and post-test troubleshooting; communicate findings to engineering teams and mission partners.
Required qualifications:
Typically requires a minimum of 2 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related discipline; or a Master's degree without experience; or equivalent practical experience.
Hands-on experience integrating and testing hardware and software in robotics, small UAS, avionics, vision systems, or related engineering projects.
Proficiency in Python for test automation, system utilities, or data analysis.
Practical electrical and mechanical skills, including interpreting wiring diagrams and pinouts and safely using a digital multimeter.
Familiarity with Linux, software installation and configuration, and basic networking concepts.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills, with attention to configuration accuracy and clear technical documentation.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills across software, hardware, and mechanical engineering teams, with ownership of assigned work and a willingness to learn new technologies.
Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance.
Preferred qualifications:
Experience with HIL, SIL, or VIL testing, simulation environments, or validation of autonomous systems.
Experience with electro-optical or infrared imaging systems, cameras, gimbals, sensor pods, or onboard image processing and detection systems.
Familiarity with C++, Git, automated regression testing, or development pipelines (CI/CD).
Experience with Ethernet, serial communications, CAN, or sensor and compute interfaces.
Exposure to CAD, fixture design, rapid prototyping, or hands-on robotics and aircraft projects.
Experience with oscilloscopes, bench power supplies, cable assembly, connector inspection, or harness troubleshooting.
Experience supporting aircraft integration, field demonstrations, customer deployments, or ground and flight test campaigns.
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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.
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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.
