Senior Engineer, Autonomy Systems Integration and Test (R4472)

Shield AI’s mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The Hivemind Solutions Test Department brings this mission to life by integrating and validating autonomy across a range of unmanned aircraft systems, from small Group 1 platforms up to larger Group 5 aircraft.

We are seeking a Senior Autonomy Integration & Test Engineer to lead hands-on integration and testing of Hivemind autonomy systems across Group 1 and Group 2 aircraft. This role is deeply practical, involving real hardware, real aircraft, and real-world problem solving. You will work across simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, and live flight environments to ensure our systems perform reliably in the field.

This is an ideal role for someone who thrives in ambiguity, moves with urgency, and enjoys digging into complex system issues across flight controllers, radios, communication interfaces and autonomy. You will play a key role in bridging software, hardware, and flight operations while helping scale our testing capabilities.

Execute hands-on integration and testing of Hivemind autonomy systems on Group 1–2 platforms, with opportunities to contribute to Group 5 systems

Debug and troubleshoot complex system issues across autonomy, flight controllers, radios, networking, and software interfaces

Develop and execute test plans across simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, and real flight environments

Support flight test operations including system bring-up, pre-flight checks, in-flight monitoring, and post-flight analysis

Build and maintain test tools, automation, and infrastructure in Python and C++

Analyze test data and drive root cause investigations to improve system performance and reliability

Collaborate closely with software, hardware, and flight test teams to ensure seamless integration

Operate effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments where systems and processes are still evolving

Identify and implement improvements to test efficiency, coverage, and system robustness

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace, or related field, or equivalent experience

4–7 years of experience in integration and testing of robotics, autonomy, aerospace, or similar complex systems

Strong hands-on experience working with real hardware systems and field or flight testing

Experience with SIL, HIL, and VIL environments

Proficiency in Python and/or C++ for scripting, automation, or debugging

Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex, cross-disciplinary systems (hardware, software, communications)

Comfortable working in ambiguous environments with evolving requirements

Strong sense of ownership, urgency, and problem-solving mindset

U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a SECRET clearance

Experience with unmanned aerial systems (fixed-wing, quadrotor, or both)

Background in autonomy, robotics, or aerospace systems

Familiarity with flight controllers, radios, and communications systems

Experience supporting flight test operations

Hands-on background such as FIRST Robotics, maker projects, or similar practical experience

Experience contributing to automated test frameworks or infrastructure

Active SECRET clearance