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# Engineer II, Systems Test (R5038)

- **Company:** Shield AI
- **Location:** Washington, DC, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Contract:** Temporary contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Code Coverage, Software Quality, Continuous Integration, Data Validation, Software Debugging, Hardware Design, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Software Engineering, Verification and Validation (Software), Data Processing, Robot Operating System, System-level Testing, SC Clearance, Build Tools, Data Management
- **Published:** October 22, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.thejobnetwork.com/job/0b1394c7-f261-4871-835c-10cc673a3fc3/engineer-ii-systems-test-r

## About the Role

* Typically requires a minimum of 2 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 0 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience.
 * Proficiency in Python
 * Experience in robotics, small UAS, or related hands-on engineering projects
 * Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills
 * Passionate about intelligent aircraft systems
 * Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional software, hardware and mechanical engineering teams
 * Adaptability and a willingness to learn new technologies and methodologies quickly in a fast-paced environment
 * The ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET Clearance. US citizenship is required as only US citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Preferred qualifications:

 * Experience testing autonomous systems, robotics software, or flight autonomy algorithms
 * Familiarity with C++ and software/hardware integration concepts.
 * Experience with HIL or VIL test environments.
 * Exposure to machine learning or AI-driven autonomy systems.
 * Background in simulation infrastructure design, distributed testing, or test data management.
 * Quality Assurance (QA) experience, including process definition, metrics, and validation tracking
 * Experience with aerospace, defense, or mission-critical software
 * Active SECRET clearance preferred

## Description

The Hivemind Solutions Test Department is seeking an Engineer II (Software & Simulation Focus) to join our DC-based team. Since Shield AI's mission is to protect service members and civilians, The Hivemind Solutions Test Department makes this a reality by validating the reliability, safety, and performance of our world-class autonomy software.

You'll lead simulation-driven testing, automation, and software quality efforts for Hivemind, building and executing test frameworks that ensure our autonomy software performs reliably across simulated and real-world mission environments.

Shield AI is growing quickly, and we're looking for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, embraces learning, and brings a high-ownership, mission-driven mindset. This is a chance to have a real impact-advancing autonomy that protects lives-while working with a collaborative, high-performing team.

What you'll do:

 * Develop automated regression, integration, and system-level tests to ensure Hivemind software quality and stability across releases
 * Identify, reproduce, and diagnose software issues-collaborating closely with development teams to drive fixes and improvements
 * Create and execute test plans and documentation for autonomy software in simulated environments, ensuring mission and safety requirements are met
 * Design, implement, and maintain simulation-based test frameworks to validate Hivemind autonomy behavior and performance
 * Build tools and utilities in Python to automate testing, data processing, and analysis workflows
 * Develop test harnesses and data validation tools for Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) / Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) / Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL) and simulation environments
 * Contribute to the definition of testing methodologies, metrics, and performance benchmarks for autonomy software validation
 * Support the scaling and reliability of simulation infrastructure used for large-scale software validation
 * Maintain detailed and accurate test documentation, ensuring traceability and knowledge sharing across teams
 * Work with developers to integrate test coverage directly into the development pipeline (CI/CD)