# Engineer I, Software - New Grad - 6531

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Washington, D.C.
**Work mode:** On-site
**Seniority:** Entry
**Employment type:** Full Time
**Salary:** USD 75K–112K/yr
**Category:** Engineering
**Department:** Hivemind Solutions Division
**Listed:** 2026-11-13

[View and apply on Zero G Talent](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/shield-ai/engineer-i-software-new-grad-6531-c33ab680-2625-4da1-a96c-41bea441b98b)

## What you'll do

- Design, implement, test, and ship C++ and Python features
- Write embedded C/C++ firmware for real-time UAV software
- Develop and evaluate autonomy software for multi-agent coordination
- Build unit and integration tests and analyze simulation results
- Support software integration across autonomy and command-and-control systems

## What you need

- Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in CS, Robotics, EE, Aerospace, or related field
- Foundational Python experience
- Understanding of debugging, source control, code review, automated testing
- Familiarity with Linux and command-line tools
- Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Secret security clearance

## Job description

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](https://shield.ai/). Follow Shield AI on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/shield-ai), [X](https://x.com/shieldaitech), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/shield_ai), and [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@Shield_AI). 

  

Job Description

  
We are seeking a Software Engineer I to join the HMS Solutions Engineering Integration & Testing team. You will help build and maintain software that tests external system interfaces, runs realistic message exchanges, and turns test results into useful engineering information.  
This is a hands-on role for a new graduate or early-career engineer interested in software development, integration, automated testing, and autonomous systems. You will work with experienced software and systems engineers to build Python tools, interact with complex software systems, and improve system-level testing.

What you'll do  
\* Develop and maintain Python software used to set up tests, exercise system interfaces, check messages, and create reports.  
\* Create automated tests that simulate external systems and evaluate a system under test.  
\* Use interface documents and message schemas to create test inputs and expected results.  
\* Investigate failures using logs, messages, configuration files, network traffic, and test results.  
\* Contribute to parsers, validation tools, command-line tools, and reporting workflows.  
\* Help maintain reliable Linux and container-based development and test environments.  
\* Write tests, take part in code reviews, and create clear setup and troubleshooting documentation.  
\* Work with software, systems, autonomy, and integration engineers to understand behavior and resolve defects.

### Required Qualifications

\* Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, graduating between December 2026 and August 2027.  
\* Foundational Python experience from coursework, internships, research, personal projects, or professional work.  
\* Understanding of basic software practices, including debugging, source control, code review, and automated testing.  
\* Familiarity with Linux and command-line tools.  
\* Familiarity with structured data formats such as XML, JSON, or YAML.  
\* Ability to read technical documents, solve problems, and explain your work clearly.  
\* Strong attention to detail and a willingness to learn in a team environment.  
\* Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

### Preferred Qualifications

\* Project, internship, or research experience in software testing, systems integration, robotics, autonomous systems, or simulation.  
\* Experience with Python test tools such as pytest or unittest.  
\* Familiarity with C++ or with testing systems written in more than one language.  
\* Exposure to XML schemas, interface control documents, or message-based systems.  
\* Experience with Git, continuous integration, or container tools such as Docker or Podman.  
\* Familiarity with networking, publish-subscribe messaging, message brokers, or distributed systems.

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.

## Other open roles at Shield AI

- [Staff Mechanical Engineer, Systems Integration - Ranger (R6580)](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/shield-ai/staff-mechanical-engineer-systems-integration-ranger-r6580-241a5fb0-cd82-4424-bd41-06603213e48f) — Seattle, Washington
- [Staff Engineer, Integration Advance Manufacturing - Ranger (R6505)](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/shield-ai/staff-engineer-integration-advance-manufacturing-ranger-r6505-6298023d-ede6-4bce-b657-c19a034273cb) — Seattle, Washington
- [Staff Engineer, Harness Design - Ranger (R6528)](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/shield-ai/staff-engineer-harness-design-ranger-r6528-a6e01181-9adf-4e02-b88b-4a50a81a8cbb) — Seattle, Washington
- [Staff Engineer, Electromechanical Systems Advance Manufacturing - Ranger (R6547)](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/shield-ai/staff-engineer-electromechanical-systems-advance-manufacturing-ranger-r6547-507ccf39-a459-4f57-94ec-c11bb25188bd) — Seattle, Washington
- [Senior Manager, Systems Engineering and Test (R6535)](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/shield-ai/senior-manager-systems-engineering-and-test-r6535-6b6586e3-5121-435b-a825-22baea3acec2) — Melbourne

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*Source: [Zero G Talent](https://zerogtalent.com), the job board for space, defense, AI, robotics and frontier-tech companies.*