Software Engineer I, Hardware Test

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn,X, YouTubeand Instagram.     

Job Description:

Shield AI’s mission is to protect the lives of service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The Hardware Test Engineering team contributes to this effort by designing test solutions that drive high hardware reliability on our V-BAT vehicle. These solutions are in-house designed electrical and mechanical equipment used to perform component and system-level testing, both at ambient and in simulated harsh environmental conditions.

As an entry-level Software Engineer on the Test Engineering team, you’ll support the development of software used to automate hardware testing and data collection. You’ll contribute to internal tools and infrastructure that help ensure our test systems are scalable, efficient, and reliable. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience working at the intersection of software and hardware, supporting critical testing for next-generation aerospace systems.

• Use Python to develop scripts that automate hardware test processes and capture results.
• Support the creation of software tools and infrastructure to streamline test development.
• Assist in writing simple drivers or scripts to interface with sensors and test equipment.
• Help manage and deploy test software across multiple test stands.
• Contribute to data logging and visualization systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and participate in code/design reviews.
• Support day-to-day lab activities and improve existing test workflows.
• Other duties as assigned.

• B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
• Solid understanding of core computer science concepts (e.g., data structures, algorithms).
• Proficiency in Python programming.
• Exposure to Linux environments and basic Bash scripting.
• Enthusiasm for solving technical challenges and learning in a hands-on setting.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated ownership of academic, internship, club, or personal projects with real results.
• Record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others.

• Interest or experience working with electronics, sensors, or test equipment.
• Exposure to networking concepts and basic computer setup/maintenance.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools like Grafana, Plotly, or Matplotlib.
• Experience working in a lab, hardware club, or project-based team environment.
• Curiosity and initiative to take on complex challenges and grow quickly.

#LI-JM2

#LA

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.