Shield AI · 1 day ago
Lead Software Engineer, Hardware Test (R4450)
Dallas, TX, US
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/StaffFounded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The Lead Software Engineer for the Hardware Test Team is responsible for defining, building, and scaling the software architecture that underpins automated testing of aircraft hardware, avionics, and subsystems, combining hands-on development with technical leadership.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
Responsibilities
Own the technical architecture for hardware test software, including drivers, frameworks, and shared libraries used across multiple aircraft programs and test environments
Design, develop, and maintain Python-based software that interfaces with PCBAs, avionics, sensors, power systems, motors, and automated test equipment
Lead the design and implementation of scalable automated test frameworks, ensuring reliability, determinism, traceability, and long-term maintainability
Set standards and best practices for test software development, including code structure, documentation, testability, observability, and error handling
Build and evolve CI/CD pipelines that support continuous integration, automated validation, and reliable deployment of test stand software
Develop and maintain test infrastructure (both software and system-level), enabling rapid provisioning, configuration management, and repeatable deployments across labs and programs
Integrate system monitoring and data visualization solutions (e.g., metrics collection, dashboards, logging pipelines) to support test execution, debugging, and post-test analysis
Provide technical leadership and mentorship through design reviews, code reviews, and architectural guidance, raising the overall engineering bar of the team
Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, systems, manufacturing, and QA teams to ensure test capabilities align with broader aircraft validation and production workflows
Drive execution and accountability, owning outcomes from concept through deployment and operational support of test systems
Other duties as assigned, consistent with a technical leadership role
Qualification
Required
B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field (or equivalent practical experience)
Advanced proficiency in Python, including experience designing large, maintainable codebases
Strong background in Linux-based development, including Bash scripting, system services, and networking fundamentals
Demonstrated experience leading or owning complex software systems, beyond isolated features or tasks
Proven ability to architect systems that balance scalability, reliability, and developer ergonomics
Experience working closely with hardware teams and interfacing software with physical systems
Track record of technical ownership, delivering high-impact results and holding yourself and others to high engineering standards
Strong communication skills and the ability to influence technical direction across teams
Preferred
Comfort working directly with hardware test environments involving circuit boards, power supplies, electronic loads, motors, and sensors
Experience developing drivers or control software for lab or manufacturing test equipment
Familiarity with CI/CD systems, infrastructure automation, and configuration management for test environments
Working knowledge of electrical engineering fundamentals, physics, and applied mathematics as they relate to hardware validation
Experience designing observability systems for test infrastructure (metrics, logging, visualization, alerting)
Demonstrated adaptability and ability to operate effectively under evolving requirements and aggressive timelines
Prior experience in a technical lead or staff-level role supporting multiple stakeholders or programs
Benefits
Bonus
Benefits
Equity
Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Company
Shield AI
Shield AI is a deep-tech company that focuses on developing AI-powered systems to enhance the safety of service members and civilians.
Founded in 2015
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Shield AI has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (3)
2021 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.31BKey Investors
Hercules CapitalUS Innovative Technology FundSnowpoint Ventures
2025-03-06Series F· $240M
2023-12-29Debt Financing· $200M
2023-10-31Series F· $300M
Leadership Team
Gary Steele
Chief Executive Officer
Brandon Tseng
Co-Founder
Recent News
2026-01-24
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2026-01-19
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2026-01-19
Company data provided by crunchbase