Introduction to Shield AI
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown a fighter jet (F-16), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (V-BAT), and a quadcopter (Nova). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies.
Job Description:
Our 2025 Summer Internship program is a wonderful opportunity for rising 2026 graduates to immerse themselves in an innovative and mission driven culture. Our 10-week paid internship program will provide you with hands on mentorship, an opportunity to add real contribution to our company via your internship project, and a possible job offer at the end. You will have the chance to make lifelong friendships, expand your network, and learn all about what it's like to work in a high-growth, fast scaling tech unicorn. You'll take part in company sponsored events and enjoy exploring a new city. Read on below to learn more about this unique internship!
Are you a passionate and innovative student interested in being a part of a team building AI autopilots? Do you want to work on a product that will make a positive impact? Do you want to work alongside mission driven and values focused teammates? Shield AI is just the place for you!
As an Integration and Test Engineering Intern, you will be working across the engineering organization to design and facilitate the integration and testing of a broad spectrum of systems across a range of platforms. Join us in pushing the state of art of AI autopilots!
10 Week Project Scope & Description:
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Week 1 – Present CONOP to interns while they are being onboarded
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Weeks 2-3 – Interns design and plan infrastructure they plan to use. At the end of each week, managers perform design reviews and give feedback. At the end of week two, the plan is finalized and the team moves forward.
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Weeks 4-5 – Team shall be able to demonstrate the scenario running in simulation and communication with an AI Pilot. The goal here is to show the data flowing between components. Integration teams shall have an environment running to be able to test autonomy solutions.
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Weeks 6-7 – Demonstrate infrastructure and simulation improvements using multi-agent search and track behaviors for stationary target.
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Weeks 8-9 – Improve documentation and efficiency of infrastructure and M&S capabilities.
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Week 10 – Wrap up, enhancements, bugfixes, prep for demonstration.
Project goals and deliverables:
- The CONOP is relevant to current and future projects
- Interns will get a full experience of work at SAI from planning a project to executing
- A joint effort can help all managers as most teammates should understand this CONOP well enough to give feedback, advice, and mentor
- This effort will allow us to put together tools that have been developed by multiple teams and make sure they are ready for primetime.
- Interns can leverage lessons learned from other relevant projects like Avatar, Ghost, etc.
Required qualifications:
- You are an undergraduate, graduate or PhD student expected to graduate in December 2025 or Spring 2026.
- Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Robotics, or related STEM field.
- Familiarity with C++
- Familiarity with DevOps principles
- Background with the Linux operating system
- Background in Modelling and Simulation
- Interest in aerospace engineering (preferably background in the concepts)
- Great written and verbal communication.
- Demonstrated history of showing ownership of project outcomes and delivering exceptional results.
- Record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others.
Intern Program Dates:
June 2nd - Aug 8th
OR
June 23rd - Aug 29th
*You MUST be available to start on EITHER June 2nd or June 23rd.
#intern
Total package details for U.S. based positions:
- Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
- Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days
of employment)
- Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity
Total package details for International based positions (where applicable):
- International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer
allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.
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.
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.
