Design, build, and automate electrical test systems and fixtures for UAV components. Develop PCBs and integrate relays, PLCs, and harnessing. Automate test sequences (Python), perform environmental testing (HASS/ESS/HALT), collaborate on design reviews, and validate power electronics, RF, and communications subsystems to ensure mission-ready hardware.
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:
At Shield AI, we are revolutionizing defense technology to protect service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Our Hardware Test Engineering team plays a critical role in ensuring the V-BAT remains the most reliable, mission-ready UAV in the industry. We design cutting-edge test solutions—custom-built electrical and mechanical systems that push our hardware to its limits in real-world and extreme environments.
As an Electrical Engineer on our Hardware Test team, you’ll have the opportunity to design and automate test systems that validate everything from power electronics to RF communications. You'll work hands-on with PCB design, Python scripting, and advanced environmental testing (HASS, ESS, HALT) to ensure the highest standards of reliability. If you're passionate about building rock-solid hardware and thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, this role is for you.
What you'll do:
- Design and own test systems for critical UAV components and subsystems, from concept to validation.
- Work across multiple EE disciplines, including power electronics, RF, communications, and system integration.
- Develop PCBs to interface between test stands and the device-under-test (DUT).
- Build custom test fixtures integrating relays, PLCs, PCBAs, and harnessing for automated and high-fidelity testing.
- Automate test sequences using Python, ensuring repeatability, efficiency, and scalability.
- Collaborate in cross-functional design reviews, advocating for testability improvements that streamline hardware validation.
- Adapt and innovate in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment, where your work directly impacts mission success.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required qualifications:
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience OR you are an undergraduate, graduate or PhD student expected to graduate in 2026.
- Strong foundation in electrical, mechanical, and software engineering principles.
- Experience in multidisciplinary hardware projects—whether through internships, jobs, clubs, personal projects, or research.
- A track record of ownership, innovation, and delivering results in complex technical environments.
- A team-first mindset, holding yourself and others to high standards, while being adaptable and solution-oriented.
- A track record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others.
Preferred qualifications:
- Proficiency in Python or other scripting languages for automation.
- Experience with PCB design tools (Altium, KiCAD, Eagle, etc.).
- Familiarity with CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA) for mechanical fixture design.
- Ability to problem-solve under pressure and pivot quickly in a dynamic, fast-paced engineering environment.
#LI-JM2
#LA
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.
Similar Jobs at Shield AI
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Design, validate, and deploy advanced electrical test systems for UAV hardware. Architect PCBs and test interfaces, develop Python automated test sequences, integrate custom test fixtures and harnessing, run HASS/ESS/HALT testing, lead design-for-testability reviews, and mentor junior engineers to improve hardware reliability.
Top Skills:
AltiumCatiaEagleEssHaltHassKicadNxPcb DesignPcbasPlcsPower ElectronicsPythonRfSolidworks
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Design, validate, and deploy advanced electrical test systems for UAV components. Architect PCBs and test interfaces for power, RF, and communications; develop automated Python test sequences; design fixtures and harnessing; run HASS/ESS/HALT environmental tests; lead cross-functional design-for-testability reviews; and mentor junior engineers to improve hardware reliability.
Top Skills:
AltiumCatiaCommunicationsEagleEssHaltHassKicadNxPcbPcbaPlcPower ElectronicsPythonRfSolidworksTest Automation
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead system-level verification and validation of aircraft software by designing mission test scenarios, managing integration test events, automating tests (including Python analyzers), producing coverage and readiness reports, and improving simulation and fault-injection capabilities to qualify flight-ready autonomous vehicle systems.
Top Skills:
C++Hardware EmulationPythonSimulation SoftwareTest Automation
What you need to know about the Austin Tech Scene
Austin has a diverse and thriving tech ecosystem thanks to home-grown companies like Dell and major campuses for IBM, AMD and Apple. The state’s flagship university, the University of Texas at Austin, is known for its engineering school, and the city is known for its annual South by Southwest tech and media conference. Austin’s tech scene spans many verticals, but it’s particularly known for hardware, including semiconductors, as well as AI, biotechnology and cloud computing. And its food and music scene, low taxes and favorable climate has made the city a destination for tech workers from across the country.
Key Facts About Austin Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 180,500; 13.7% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Dell, IBM, AMD, Apple, Alphabet
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, hardware, cloud computing, software, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.5 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Live Oak Ventures, Austin Ventures, Hinge Capital, Gigafund, KdT Ventures, Next Coast Ventures, Silverton Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Texas, Southwestern University, Texas State University, Center for Complex Quantum Systems, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Texas Advanced Computing Center
