Staff Engineer, Systems Test (R4151) jobs in United States
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Shield AI · 1 month ago

Staff Engineer, Systems Test (R4151)

positionDallas, Texas
timeFull-time
remoteOnsite
seniorityLead/Staff
money$140K/yr - $210K/yr
date8+ years exp

Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The Staff Integration & Test Engineer will lead advanced integration and test activities for Hivemind autonomy systems, defining test strategies and ensuring system performance in real-world environments.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
badNo H1BnoteSecurity Clearance RequirednoteU.S. Citizen Onlynote

Responsibilities

Lead system-level integration, test planning, and validation for advanced autonomous aircraft and robotics systems
Define and implement test architectures, methodologies, and strategies across simulation, HIL, VIL, and flight environments
Own and manage comprehensive test plans—defining objectives, success criteria, procedures, and resource needs
Architect and evolve test infrastructure and automation frameworks that enable scalable and repeatable validation
Collaborate closely with software, hardware, and systems engineering teams to ensure robust integration and system readiness
Conduct hands-on debugging and validation of autonomy, avionics, and control systems
Lead flight test preparation, system configuration, and real-time troubleshooting during live events
Develop tools and utilities in Python (and optionally C++) to support automation, data analysis, and telemetry validation
Establish test documentation standards, ensuring traceability, repeatability, and knowledge sharing across teams
Mentor and provide technical direction to junior and senior engineers, fostering a culture of technical rigor and continuous improvement
Partner with program and mission teams to communicate test readiness, progress, and system performance effectively

Qualification

System integrationTest planningValidation methodologiesPythonC++Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL)Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL)Test infrastructureCross-functional collaborationMentoringAdaptabilityGrowth mindsetCommunication skills

Required

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline
8+ years of experience in system integration, test planning, and validation of complex systems—ideally within robotics, aerospace, or autonomy
Proven expertise in test planning, including test plan creation, test case design, and validation tracking
Deep understanding of test infrastructure, automation, and validation methodologies
Strong proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, and analysis; working knowledge of C++ preferred
Experience architecting and maintaining Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL), or similar real-time test systems
Proven ability to troubleshoot complex, multidisciplinary systems involving software, hardware, and controls
Demonstrated success leading technical projects, mentoring engineers, and defining test strategies for multi-system programs
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
Adaptability, growth mindset, and willingness to learn new technologies quickly in a scaling, fast-paced environment
Self-starter with strong sense of urgency, initiative, and comfort operating in ambiguity
U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance

Preferred

Experience testing or integrating autonomous air, ground or sea vehicles
Background in defense, aerospace, or mission-critical robotics systems
Experience developing test infrastructure and automation frameworks at organizational scale
Familiarity with simulation and modeling tools for system-level validation
Knowledge of configuration management, verification processes, and data analytics for test reporting
Experience supporting flight test operations, including safety, instrumentation, and post-flight analysis

Benefits

Bonus
Benefits
Equity
Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Company

Shield AI

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Glassdoor3.7
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Shield AI is a deep-tech company that focuses on developing AI-powered systems to enhance the safety of service members and civilians.
dateFounded in 2015
location
San Diego, California, USA
people-size1001-5000 employees
web-link
http://www.shield.ai

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage
Total Funding
$1.31B
Key Investors
Hercules CapitalUS Innovative Technology FundSnowpoint Ventures
2025-03-06Series F· $240M
2023-12-29Debt Financing· $200M
2023-10-31Series F· $300M

Leadership Team

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Gary Steele
Chief Executive Officer
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Brandon Tseng
Co-Founder
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Recent News

Washington Technology
Two dozen corporate leadership moves to note as 2026 begins
2026-01-11
GlobeNewswire
Artificial Intelligence in Defense and Security Global Research Report 2025: Market to Reach $22.75 Billion by 2029 - Long-term Forecast to 2034
2026-01-07
Techmeme
A look at military tech startup Shield AI, recently valued at $5.6B, and its new CEO Gary Steele, who aims to grow annual revenue from $300M to $1B by 2028 (Jessica Mathews/Fortune)
2025-12-22
Company data provided by crunchbase