Design and own automated electrical test systems for UAV components. Develop PCBs and custom fixtures, integrate PLCs/relays/PCBAs, automate test sequences in Python, and perform environmental reliability testing (HASS/ESS/HALT) while collaborating across disciplines to improve testability and hardware validation.
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
Lead design, validation, and deployment of advanced hardware test systems for V-BAT. Architect PCBs and test interfaces for power electronics, RF, and communications; develop Python automated test sequences; design custom test fixtures and integrate PLCs, relays, and harnessing. Drive DFT-focused reviews, perform HASS/ESS/HALT testing, and mentor junior engineers to improve hardware reliability in aerospace environments.
Top Skills:
AltiumCatiaEagleEssHaltHassKicadNxPcb DesignPcbaPlcPower ElectronicsPythonRfSolidworks
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Design, build, and execute mechanical and structural test plans, develop fixtures and hydraulic test systems, integrate and calibrate sensors, automate data collection and analysis with Python, perform FEA, produce technical reports, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate aircraft hardware.
Top Skills:
AccelerometersFinite Element Analysis (Fea)Hydraulic SystemsLoad CellsPressure TransducersPythonSiemens NxStrain Gauges
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead design, validation, and deployment of advanced hardware test systems for V-BAT. Architect PCBs and test interfaces for power electronics, RF, and communications; develop Python automated test sequences; design custom test fixtures and integrate PLCs, relays, and harnessing. Drive DFT-focused reviews, perform HASS/ESS/HALT testing, and mentor junior engineers to improve hardware reliability in aerospace environments.
Top Skills:
AltiumCatiaEagleEssHaltHassKicadNxPcb DesignPcbaPlcPower ElectronicsPythonRfSolidworks
What you need to know about the Seattle Tech Scene
Home to tech titans like Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle punches far above its weight in innovation. But its surrounding mountains, sprinkled with world-famous hiking trails and climbing routes, make the city a destination for outdoorsy types as well. Established as a logging town before shifting to shipbuilding and logistics, the Emerald City is now known for its contributions to aerospace, software, biotech and cloud computing. And its status as a thriving tech ecosystem is attracting out-of-town companies looking to establish new tech and engineering hubs.
Key Facts About Seattle Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 287,000; 13% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software, biotechnology, game development
- Funding Landscape: $3.1 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Madrona, Fuse, Tola, Maveron
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
