Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the 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.
Job Description:
At Shield AI, we are revolutionizing defense technology to protect service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Our Hardware Test Engineering team plays a critical role in ensuring the V-BAT remains the most reliable, mission-ready UAV in the industry. We design cutting-edge test solutions—custom-built electrical and mechanical systems that push our hardware to its limits in real-world and extreme environments.
As a Staff Engineering Specialist on our Hardware Test team, you’ll have the opportunity to design and automate test systems that validate everything from power electronics to RF communications. You'll work hands-on with PCB design, Python scripting, and advanced environmental testing (HASS, ESS, HALT) to ensure the highest standards of reliability. If you're passionate about building rock-solid hardware and thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, this role is for you.
What you'll do:
Design, build, and own hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and simulation test systems.
Collaborate across electrical, mechanical, software, and systems teams to deliver a cohesive, well-managed test environment with strong configuration control.
Design and fabricate avionics wire harnesses and cable assemblies.
Participate in cross-functional design reviews, advocating for testability improvements that accelerate and de-risk hardware validation.
Debug hardware issues and provide clear root-cause analysis to engineering teams.
Adapt and innovate in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where your work directly impacts mission success.
Perform other related duties as required.
Required qualifications:
Strong foundation in electrical and mechanical engineering fundamentals.
Experience contributing to multidisciplinary hardware development efforts.
Demonstrated ownership, innovation, and ability to deliver results in complex technical environments.
Proficiency with electrical test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, DMMs, power supplies) to validate and debug circuits and harnesses.
Team-oriented mindset with high personal standards, adaptability, and a solutions-focused approach.
Proven reliability, strong work ethic, and ability to collaborate respectfully and effectively.
Ability to take projects from concept through execution with minimal oversight.
Preferred qualifications:
B.S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience, or current undergraduate, graduate, or PhD student with an expected 2025 graduation.
Experience with PCB design tools such as Altium, KiCad, or Eagle.
Familiarity with mechanical CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA) for fixture and test hardware design.
Ability to solve problems under pressure and pivot quickly in a dynamic engineering environment.
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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.
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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.
