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Senior Engineer, VBAT Software Test Automation (Hiring Multiple Levels)

Shield AI San Diego, California, United States

onsitefull-time

Salary: $95,000 - $200,000 / year

Posted Sep 5, 2026Apply by Feb 20, 2027

**Role & seniority: ** Software Engineer (mid-level; requires 2+ years or equivalent; applies to autonomy/GNC/embedded testing workstreams)

**Stack/tools: ** C++ and/or Python; Git; CMake and/or Poetry; simulation environments; interfaces/drivers for simulation + hardware test orchestration; avionics/GNC integration; hardware control and failure injection tools/equipment

**Top 3 responsibilities: **

  • Build automated test operations for V-BAT by gathering requirements and implementing automation software across autonomy, embedded systems, and ground control applications

  • Define, implement, and continuously run system-level test cases to verify/validate embedded or GNC software (incl. simulation + real-world behaviors)

  • Create/extend software interfaces and drivers to orchestrate simulation, hardware devices, and test equipment for various scenarios and release readiness

  • Must-have skills:

    • Strong C++ or Python (and basic proficiency in the other)

    • Experience with version control (Git) and build/packaging (e.g., CMake, Poetry)

    • Ability to develop and test automation software in fast-paced environments; comfort learning on the job; delivery mindset

  • Nice-to-haves:

    • 5+ years building automated test solutions

    • Experience testing aircraft/autonomous vehicles

    • Background in automated testing, bare-metal firmware, or simulation tooling

  • Location & work type: Full-t

Full Description

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 .

Shield AI has been redefining autonomous aviation with cutting-edge AI and GPS/RF-denied navigation technologies for the past few years.

We’re looking for a software engineer, well versed in development and testing, to help continue building V-BAT's test operations, specifically automation capabilities and tools used to test software components ranging from autonomy, embedded systems, ground control applications, and more – you will gather requirements and write software to automate them.

This is an opportunity to build and solve problems defense primes are unwilling to. You ’ll be supported by world-class engineers, but you’re expected to learn on the job and deliver weekly – you’ll need to be hungry and motivated to grow!

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Work directly with our GNC and Embedded teams daily to build software that leverages simulation, avionics, and/or custom hardware to automate testing Define test cases to verify and validate embedded or GNC software at a system level, automating them to run continuously Implement software interfaces and drivers to orchestrate simulation environments, hardware devices, and test equipment – enabling real-world behaviors, failure injection, and hardware manipulation for various test scenarios Quickly prototype solutions using software & hardware to unblock testing, harden your prototype into scalable products for continuous release testing Support release test planning and execution leading up to flight test events and major product milestones

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

2+ years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree (CE, CS, EE); or some industry experience (intern, startup, self-projects) with a Master’s or PhD degree Strong C++ or Python skills, basic proficiency in the other Familiarity with common version control (git) and build/packaging systems (CMake, Poetry, etc) Passion for growth, fast-paced environments, and holding self to a high standard of excellence

Preferred Qualifications

5+ years of related experience building automated test solutions Experience building automated test solutions for aircraft of autonomous vehicles Experience in automated testing, bare-metal firmware development, or simulation tooling

$95,000 - $200,000 a year

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

C++PythonGitCMakePoetrySoftware Test AutomationEmbedded SystemsSimulation ToolingAvionicsGNC SoftwareFirmware DevelopmentHardware-in-the-loop TestingTest Case DefinitionPrototypingSystem ValidationFailure Injectionmulti-location

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