Staff Engineer, Software Test (R4784)

Shield AI is hiring a Staff Engineer, Software Test (R4784) in Seattle, United States. It pays $150k-$220k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on Shield AI.

Level's read on this job

Little AI ●○○○ is how Level rates this role: aI is not part of the work.
Level classes it as a lead role.
Shield AI has 659 other open roles on Level.

AI in this role

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 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.

How we rate this

Staff Engineer, Software Test (R4784) at Shield AI rates 36 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.