Lead a team of software test and automation engineers supporting autonomy and aerospace products. Translate test strategy into execution, direct test automation and infrastructure architecture, and own test evidence and release recommendations. The role involves simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, perception validation, and flight testing. Responsibilities include hands-on framework design, integration troubleshooting, team development, continuous validation, stakeholder communication, and collaboration across systems engineering, quality, perception, autonomy, and flight-test teams.
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.
The Software Test & Quality Assurance team serves both, and ensures release of verified and assured product. As Lead Engineer, Software Test & Quality Assurance, you will lead a team of Software Test & Automation Engineers working across both Hivemind Vision and Hivemind Solutions. You will turn the Australian software test strategy into day-to-day execution, set technical direction for test automation and infrastructure, and own the test evidence and release recommendations behind every software release. The team spans simulation, Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL), perception and imagery validation, and live flight test. This is a hands-on leadership role. You will stay technically involved in framework design, test architecture, and complex integration issues while developing the people and capability of the team. You will report to the Senior Manager, Engineering (Systems Engineering and Test), and work closely with the Systems Engineering and Quality Process Engineering teams, as well as perception, autonomy, integration, flight test, program management, and Shield AI's international engineering teams.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent overseas qualification).
- 8+ years developing software test, verification, automation, validation, or quality assurance solutions for robotics, autonomy, aerospace, embedded, or other complex distributed systems.
- 2 + years leading engineers, either as a people manager or a technical lead with responsibility for planning, prioritization, and mentoring.
- Demonstrated experience implementing test strategy across multiple products or programs and owning software release or acceptance recommendations.
- Strong proficiency in Python for automation, testing, and data analysis, and experience architecting automated test frameworks or validation infrastructure.
- Experience validating software in simulation, SIL, HIL, and/or representative hardware or flight-test environments.
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines and continuous validation practices.
- Experience with Linux and Windows environments and with setting up and managing test environments.
- Experience with requirements and test management tools (e.g., Testrail, Cameo, DOORS, Polarion, Jira) and fault tracking systems.[J(6]
- Strong understanding of software verification, regression testing, traceability, and quality assurance methodologies. · Experience working in Agile software development environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present test evidence and release recommendations to senior stakeholders and customers.
- Ability to obtain an Australian NV1 security clearance
- Ability to comply with export-control (e.g., ITAR, EAR, and the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012), security, safety, and customer-site requirements. Preferred qualifications:
- Experience testing computer vision, perception, or imaging-sensor systems, including dataset-driven and metrics-based evaluation.
- Experience with flight control systems such as ArduPilot or PX4.
- Experience with unmanned aerial systems (fixed-wing, quadrotor, or both).
- Experience testing and validating real-time embedded software systems.
- Background in autonomy, robotics, or aerospace systems, including flight controllers, radios, and communications systems.
- Experience producing evidence for formal technical reviews, customer acceptance, or airworthiness approval.
- Familiarity with software assurance or airworthiness frameworks (e.g., DO-178C, DEF(AUST) 5679, ASDEFCON software requirements) or quality management systems (AS9100 or ISO 9001).
- ISTQB accreditation (Advanced or Test Manager level highly regarded).
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.
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, colour, 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.
Shield Melbourne, Victoria, AUS Office
85 Salmon St, Suite 1, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3207
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