XBAT Software Test Engineer (R3696) at Shield AI

Dallas, Texas, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Defense, AerospaceIndustries

Requirements

7+ years' experience in system/software test engineering, including 3+ years with aerospace, defense, or autonomous vehicle platforms
Demonstrated track record of success in system-level testing and release efforts for complex, safety-critical platforms (preferably Group 5 UAS or equivalent)
Excellent proficiency in automating test infrastructure using Python, C++, and other modern tools and approaches
Very strong experience building and using simulation and hardware-in-the-loop capabilities for automated integration testing and continuous validation
Excellent understanding of requirements validation and traceability processes - ideally with experience building tools to automate and control processes
Working knowledge of aerospace verification standards (e.g., DO-178C) and/or airworthiness, safety case, or certification-aligned testing
Ability to work independently in fast-paced, ambiguous environments while collaborating across multiple disciplines - evidence of success thriving in these environments
Preferred Qualifications
Direct experience supporting or leading flight test campaigns and airborne software releases
Hands-on experience with simulation frameworks, mission scenario scripting, or real-time test systems
Experience building tools for requirements-traceability, test coverage analysis, defect tracking, or test

Responsibilities

Own end-to-end system test strategy for software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and vehicle-in-the-loop (VIL) environments—scaling them for continuous integration and rapid release cycles
Design and implement mission-critical system test cases validating autonomous behaviors, requirements compliance, and operational edge cases across nominal, safety-critical, and degraded conditions
Coordinate and execute flight test and software release campaigns, working cross-functionally with autonomy, embedded systems, flight ops, and safety engineering teams
Develop and maintain tooling for requirements-test traceability, test result reporting, and release qualification to meet both internal and external safety standards
Drive system-level integration testing workflows, including regression, performance, fault injection, and safety-critical operational scenarios
Mentor junior engineers in best practices for high-assurance system verification, aircraft software development, and rigorous test design

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

SILHILVILAutomated TestingContinuous IntegrationAutonomy SoftwareAvionics SoftwareSystem TestingVerification and ValidationSimulation

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience is required for the XBAT Software Test Engineer role?

Candidates need 7+ years of experience in system/software test engineering, including 3+ years with aerospace, defense, or autonomous vehicle platforms, and a demonstrated track record in system-level testing for complex, safety-critical platforms like Group 5 UAS.

What are the main responsibilities of this position?

You will own end-to-end system test strategy for SIL, HIL, and VIL environments, design mission-critical test cases, coordinate flight tests, develop traceability tooling, drive integration testing, and mentor junior engineers.

Is this a remote position, or are there location requirements?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What makes a strong candidate for this Software Test Engineer position?

A strong candidate has 7+ years in system/software test engineering with 3+ years in aerospace/defense/autonomous platforms, proven success in safety-critical testing like Group 5 UAS, and excellent proficiency in automating test infrastructure.

Shield AI

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

About Shield AI

Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems specifically for the defense industry. The company develops AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communication may not be available. This technology allows for safer and more efficient defense operations. Shield AI differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on advanced AI capabilities and securing significant contracts with government and military clients, such as the multi-billion dollar EWAAC contract. The company's goal is to enhance operational capabilities and safety in military contexts, ultimately aiming to protect lives through its innovative solutions.

San Diego, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2015Year Founded

$772.8MTotal Funding

DEBTCompany Stage

AI & Machine Learning, DefenseIndustries

501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Medical Insurance Coverage

Long Term Disability Insurance

Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA

Employee Assistance Program

Subsidized Gym Membership

Pet Insurance

Competitive Compensation

Retirement Services

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Bereavement Support

Flexible Work Hours

PTO

Paid Holidays

Commuter Benefits

Relaxed Dress Code

Yearly Swag Items

Unlimited Snacks

Bottomless Beverages

Annual Celebrations

Work From Home Benefits

Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors

Risks

Increased competition from companies like Waymo could divert investment from Shield AI.

Geopolitical tensions may challenge the JSW Defence partnership for V-BAT production in India.

Dependency on Palantir's infrastructure may limit Shield AI's operational flexibility.

Differentiation

Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI pilot deployed in combat since 2018.

Strategic partnerships with Palantir and JSW Defence enhance technological capabilities and market reach.

Shield AI's V-BAT drone is selected for a $198 million U.S. Coast Guard contract.

Upsides

Increased demand for autonomous systems in defense boosts Shield AI's market potential.

Successful multi-aircraft autonomous flight tests showcase advanced AI piloting capabilities.

Significant investment in robotics indicates a robust market for Shield AI's offerings.

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