# Software Integration & Test Manager **Company:** [Shield AI](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-companies/shield-ai) **Location:** Kyiv **Work mode:** On-site **Seniority:** Mid **Employment type:** Full Time **Category:** Aerospace Engineering **Department:** Other **Listed:** 2026-09-15 [View and apply on Zero G Talent](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/shield-ai/software-integration-test-manager-3824ce13-5af0-436c-91bb-835b2740bf95) ## 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).  We are seeking a Manager, Autonomy Software Integration & Test to lead a team supporting the development, integration, testing, and deployment of autonomous systems in Ukraine. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines people management with technical execution across software, hardware, aircraft systems, and flight operations. The ideal candidate has strong software and systems-integration experience, develops high-performing engineers, and can lead complex work in fast-paced field environments. This role will primarily support operations in the Kyiv region, with occasional travel to other locations within Ukraine. ### What You'll Do - Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Autonomy Software Integration & Test Engineers. - Set technical priorities, assign resources, manage schedules, and ensure the team delivers against operational requirements. - Guide the development and integration of autonomy software across fixed-wing, multirotor, and other unmanned systems. - Provide technical direction for software bring-up, system configuration, troubleshooting, and mission readiness. - Oversee simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, ground-test, and live flight-test activities. - Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis across software, onboard compute, networking, radios, sensors, flight controllers, and mission systems. - Coordinate engineering support for demonstrations and operational test events, including pre-flight preparation and post-flight analysis.  - Partner with autonomy, systems, hardware, flight-test, and operational teams to integrate and validate new capabilities. - Establish effective test procedures, integration workflows, documentation, and deployment-readiness standards. - Remain technically engaged and contribute directly to development, integration, and field troubleshooting when needed. ### Required Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. - 5+ years of experience developing, integrating, or testing software for robotics, autonomy, aerospace, embedded systems, or a related field. - Previous experience managing or leading engineering teams. - Strong software-engineering experience in C++ and Python. - Experience with Linux-based systems and hands-on hardware/software integration. - Experience supporting field testing, flight testing, demonstrations, or operational exercises. - Familiarity with MAVLink, PX4, ArduPilot, QGroundControl, or related unmanned-systems technologies. - Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate independently in dynamic environments. - Ability to travel within Ukraine as required. ### Preferred Qualifications - Experience leading teams supporting autonomous aircraft or unmanned systems. - Experience with SIL, HIL, VIL, simulation, or flight-test environments. - Familiarity with ROS, DDS, embedded systems, or real-time systems. - Experience with flight controllers, avionics, RF communications, datalinks, or networking systems. - Background in defense, robotics, aerospace, or autonomous systems. - Ukrainian and English language proficiency. Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner. ## Other open roles at Shield AI - [Director, V-BAT Middle East & Asia-Pacific Programs (R6512)](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/shield-ai/director-v-bat-middle-east-asia-pacific-programs-r6512-0fbea426-4ba5-4c81-944e-17279b4af76a) — Dallas, Texas - [Technician II, Tool Crib (R6518)](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/shield-ai/technician-ii-tool-crib-r6518-c709a393-a02d-4224-8753-1d903c38b80f) — Seattle, Washington - [Senior Staff Systems Security Engineer, Program Protection (TX/DC/Sea) (R6515)](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/shield-ai/senior-staff-systems-security-engineer-program-protection-tx-dc-sea-r6515-f96fb376-39bb-42b7-84a0-7b53ff88f126) — United States - [Senior Staff Data Engineer, Databricks (R6508)](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/shield-ai/senior-staff-data-engineer-databricks-r6508-69df955f-a283-43ea-a029-f4383daa93a8) — United States - [Senior Engineer, Production Test (R6513)](https://zerogtalent.com/defense-jobs/shield-ai/senior-engineer-production-test-r6513-37bb30be-f434-4d11-a071-70e74a8ccff3) — Seattle, Washington --- *Source: [Zero G Talent](https://zerogtalent.com), the job board for space, defense, AI, robotics and frontier-tech companies.*