The Hivemind Solutions Test Department is seeking an Engineer II or Senior Test Engineer (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 releasesIdentify, reproduce, and diagnose software issues—collaborating closely with development teams to drive fixes and improvementsCreate and execute test plans and documentation for autonomy software in simulated environments, ensuring mission and safety requirements are metDesign, implement, and maintain simulation-based test frameworks to validate Hivemind autonomy behavior and performanceBuild tools and utilities in Python to automate testing, data processing, and analysis workflowsDevelop test harnesses and data validation tools for Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) / Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) / Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL) and simulation environmentsContribute to the definition of testing methodologies, metrics, and performance benchmarks for autonomy software validationSupport the scaling and reliability of simulation infrastructure used for large-scale software validationMaintain detailed and accurate test documentation, ensuring traceability and knowledge sharing across teamsWork with developers to integrate test coverage directly into the development pipeline (CI/CD)
Required Qualifications:
Typically requires a minimum of 3-5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 2-4 years and a Master’s degree; or 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experienceProficiency in PythonExperience in robotics, small UAS, or related hands-on engineering projectsStrong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skillsPassionate about intelligent aircraft systemsExcellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional software, hardware and mechanical engineering teamsAdaptability 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 algorithmsFamiliarity 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 trackingExperience with aerospace, defense, or mission-critical softwareActive SECRET clearance preferred
