Engineer II, Systems Test; R5038

The Hivemind Solutions Test Department is seeking an Engineer II (Software & Simulation Focus) to join our DC-based team. Since Shield AI’s mission is to protect service members and civilians, the department validates the reliability, safety, and performance of our world-class autonomy software.

You’ll lead simulation‑driven testing, automation, and software quality efforts for Hivemind, building and executing test frameworks that ensure our autonomy software performs reliably across simulated and real‑world mission environments.

Shield AI is growing quickly, and we’re looking for someone who thrives in fast‑paced environments, embraces learning, and brings a high‑ownership, mission‑driven mindset. This is a chance to have a real impact—advancing autonomy that protects lives—while working with a collaborative, high‑performing team.

• Develop automated regression, integration, and system‑level tests to ensure Hivemind software quality and stability across releases.
• Identify, reproduce, and diagnose software issues—collaborating closely with development teams to drive fixes and improvements.
• Create and execute test plans and documentation for autonomy software in simulated environments, ensuring mission and safety requirements are met.
• Design, implement, and maintain simulation‑based test frameworks to validate Hivemind autonomy behavior and performance.
• Build tools and utilities in Python to automate testing, data processing, and analysis workflows.
• Develop test harnesses and data validation tools for Software‑in‑the‑Loop (SIL) / Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) / Vehicle‑in‑the‑Loop (VIL) and simulation environments.
• Contribute to the definition of testing methodologies, metrics, and performance benchmarks for autonomy software validation.
• Support the scaling and reliability of simulation infrastructure used for large‑scale software validation.
• Maintain detailed and accurate test documentation, ensuring traceability and knowledge sharing across teams.
• Work with developers to integrate test coverage directly into the development pipeline (CI/CD).

• Typically requires a minimum of 2 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 0 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Experience in robotics, small UAS, or related hands‑on engineering projects.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and debugging skills.
• Passionate about intelligent aircraft systems.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional software, hardware and mechanical engineering teams.
• Adaptability and a willingness to learn new technologies and methodologies quickly in a fast‑paced environment.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET Clearance. US citizenship is required as only US citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

• Experience testing autonomous systems, robotics software, or flight autonomy algorithms.
• Familiarity with C++ and software/hardware integration concepts.
• Experience with HIL or VIL test environments.
• Exposure to machine learning or AI‑driven autonomy systems.
• Background in simulation infrastructure design, distributed testing, or test data management.
• Quality Assurance (QA) experience, including process definition, metrics, and validation tracking.
• Experience with aerospace, defense, or mission‑critical software.
• Active SECRET clearance preferred.

All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits.