a16z Senior Engineer, Software Test and Automation (R4472)
As a Senior Software Test & Automation Engineer, you will design and develop automated test infrastructure, execute system-level verification activities, analyze software performance, and build the tooling that enables continuous validation throughout the development lifecycle. Working closely with autonomy software, systems engineering, digital infrastructure, and flight test teams, you will help ensure autonomy capabilities are validated, repeatable, and ready for operational deployment.
What you'll do:
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Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks, validation tooling, and test infrastructure supporting autonomy software.
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Develop and execute verification and validation strategies across simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, and representative system environments.
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Build automated regression, integration, functional, and performance test suites that improve software quality and deployment confidence.
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Develop Python-based automation, test harnesses, and analysis tools that reduce manual testing effort and improve repeatability.
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Analyze test results, identify software defects and integration issues, and support cross-functional root cause investigations.
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Develop software quality metrics, dashboards, and readiness assessments that provide objective evidence of software maturity.
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Integrate automated testing into CI/CD workflows to enable continuous validation and rapid developer feedback.
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Collaborate with autonomy software, systems engineering, flight test, and integration teams to define validation strategies and readiness criteria.
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Improve test infrastructure, automation coverage, and validation methodologies across the Expeditionary and Emerging Operations portfolio.
Required qualifications:
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BS in Computer Science, Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering or related field.
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4–7 years developing software test, verification, automation, or validation solutions for robotics, autonomy, aerospace, or other complex distributed systems.
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Strong proficiency in Python for automation, testing, and data analysis.
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Experience developing automated test frameworks, test harnesses, or validation infrastructure.
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Experience with Linux-based development environments.
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Experience validating software in simulation, SIL, HIL, and/or representative hardware environments.
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Experience debugging complex software and system integration issues.
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Experience with CI/CD pipelines and continuous validation practices.
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Strong understanding of software verification, regression testing, and quality assurance methodologies.
Preferred qualifications:
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Experience with flight control systems such as ArduPilot or PX4.
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Experience with unmanned aerial systems (fixed-wing, quadrotor, or both)
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Background in autonomy, robotics, or aerospace systems
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Familiarity with flight controllers, radios, and communications systems
Skills
As published by lever · 20 questions · 9 written answers
Basics
Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Twitter URL, GitHub URL, Portfolio URL, Other website
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- 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?
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Written answers (9)
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