Entry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

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: The Hivemind Solutions Test Department is seeking an Engineer II (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 releases * Identify, reproduce, and diagnose software issues-collaborating closely with development teams to drive fixes and improvements * Create and execute test plans and documentation for autonomy software in simulated environments, ensuring mission and safety requirements are met * Design, implement, and maintain simulation-based test frameworks to validate Hivemind autonomy behavior and performance * Build tools and utilities in Python to automate testing, data processing, and analysis workflows * Develop test harnesses and data validation tools for Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) / Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) / Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL) and simulation environments * Contribute to the definition of testing methodologies, metrics, and performance benchmarks for autonomy software validation * Support the scaling and reliability of simulation infrastructure used for large-scale software validation * Maintain detailed and accurate test documentation, ensuring traceability and knowledge sharing across teams * Work with developers to integrate test coverage directly into the development pipeline (CI/CD) Required qualifications: * Typically requires a minimum of 2 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 0 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience. * Proficiency in Python * Experience in robotics, small UAS, or related hands-on engineering projects * Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills * Passionate about intelligent aircraft systems * Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional software, hardware and mechanical engineering teams * Adaptability 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 algorithms * Familiarity 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 tracking * Experience with aerospace, defense, or mission-critical software * Active SECRET clearance preferred #LI-KC3 #LB 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.