Staff Engineer, Software Test (R4784)
- Salary
- USD 150,000 - 220,000 / per-year-salary
- Level
- Staff
- Work type
- On-site · Seattle
Not stated in the posting: visa.
Open. First seen 22 October 2026.
About the role
Shield AI's standard text
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and 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:
We are seeking an experienced Staff Test Engineer to support the development, integration, and validation of XBat flight critical software systems. This role is responsible for designing and executing test strategies across hardware, software, and system-level components to ensure performance, reliability, and mission readiness.
Key responsibilities include developing test plans and procedures, executing verification and validation (V&V) efforts, analyzing test data, and collaborating cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams. The ideal candidate has strong experience with aerospace or defense systems, familiarity with regulatory standards (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254, MIL HDBK 516c), and a proven ability to troubleshoot complex system issues.
Qualifications include a degree in engineering or a related field, 7+ years of relevant experience, and strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills. Experience with automated testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and flight test support is highly desirable.
What you'll do:
- Develop test plans and procedures
- Executing verification and validation (V&V) efforts, a
- Analyze test data
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
- Hands-on experience in testing (e.g., 3–7+ years depending on level) across software, hardware, or integrated systems
- Knowledge of test methodologies including verification & validation (V&V), regression testing, and test case development
- Experience with test tools and automation, such as scripting (Python, MATLAB, or similar) and test frameworks
- Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, requirements, and system specifications
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and isolate defects
- Experience working in cross-functional teams (engineering, QA, systems, manufacturing)
- Familiarity with relevant standards (e.g., ISO, MIL-STD, DO-178C/DO-254 for aerospace/defense roles)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting and reporting test results
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience testing and troubleshooting complex embedded systems.
- Experience with large programs and fielding first of type systems.
#LI-SM1
#LD
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.
Shield AI's standard text
###
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.
What this role asks for
Particular to this role
MATLAB · Test Automation
Rare in Shield AI's other 299 open postings.
Standard for software engineering roles
Python
Common in software engineering postings at any company.
76% of this description is written for the role. The rest is Shield AI's standard text, folded away below.
Compared with Shield AI's other open jobs.
The team: X-BAT Engineering - Software
This role is one of 13 open in X-BAT Engineering - Software.
WHAT THE TEAM WORKS WITH, ACROSS ITS POSTINGS
C++ (6 of 13), CI/CD (6 of 13), Embedded Systems (6 of 13), Python (5 of 13), Cybersecurity (4 of 13), FPGA (4 of 13), Test Automation (4 of 13)
OTHER ROLES ON THIS TEAM
- Mission Systems Software Engineer (R5888) posted Sep 10
- Senior Full-Stack Software Engineer (R5750) posted Aug 20
- Cybersecurity Platform Engineer (R5531) posted Aug 5
- Staff Engineer, FPGA Design (R5347) posted Jul 28
- Senior Sensor Integration Engineer (R5128) posted Jun 5
- Software Engineer, Embedded Applications (R5068) posted Jun 2
- Network Engineer (R4843) posted Apr 25
- Modeling & Simulation Engineer (R4869) posted Apr 25
- Flight Controls Engineer (R4815) posted Apr 15
- Ground System Full Stack Software Engineer (R4787) posted Apr 7
- Principal Engineer, Software Architect (R4562) posted Feb 13
- State Estimation Engineer (R4602) posted Oct 17
From the team and dates on Shield AI's own job board.
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