a16z Electrical Engineer, Test Equipment Design
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Summary
Designs and automates test systems for autonomous UAV hardware, including power electronics, RF, and environmental testing, using Python, PCB design, and CAD tools.
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 . 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.
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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.
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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.
Skills
As published by lever · 22 questions · 10 written answers
Basics
Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Twitter URL, GitHub URL, Portfolio URL, Other website
Short answers (1)
- Please state your full legal name:
Pick from a list (11)
- Are you authorized to work in the United States?
- Will you require sponsorship for employment now or in the future?
- This position may require access to information and technology that is subject to export controls, such as EAR. Are you any of the following?
- Shield AI provides technology, services, and support to the United States military and allied forces with their various missions. If selected for employment with Shield AI, your contributions will directly relate to and/or support these missions. Are there any reasons why you would not be able to fully contribute in support of the U.S. military and allied forces?
- How did you hear about us?
- Are you a transitioning service member?
- If yes, what partnership program are you working with? optional
- Are you local to or willing to relocate? optional
- What office(s) would you be willing to relocate to? (Select all that apply) optional
- If you are currently enrolled in or have graduated from a university within the past 24 months, what is your current or final GPA?
- Did you see a LinkedIn post that encouraged or inspired you to apply for this role? optional
Written answers (10)
- If yes, what type of sponsorship? optional
- If you selected "A protected Individual" OR "Other" to the above question, please explain further. optional
- (Optional) If you selected other or would like to expand on the above, feel free to do so below: optional
- If "Industry Conference" or "Other," please provide more details: optional
- If other, please provide further details optional
- When are you available to start your fellowship? optional
- When are you available for full time work? optional
- What full time job(s) are you applying for?
- If you selected international, what location(s)? optional
- Optional Comments on GPA optional