Software Engineer AI Jobs at Shield AI with Visa Sponsorship
Software Engineer AI jobs at Shield AI sit at the intersection of machine learning, robotics, and national security systems, where the company builds autonomous defense technology. The company has sponsored work visas for engineering talent, making it a realistic target for international candidates with the right technical background.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Shield AI’s mission is to protect the lives of service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The Hardware Test Engineering team contributes to this effort by designing test solutions that drive high hardware reliability on our V-BAT vehicle. These solutions are in-house designed electrical and mechanical equipment used to perform component and system-level testing, both at ambient and in simulated harsh environmental conditions. In this role you will develop software that automates hardware testing, integrates test results with existing manufacturing software, create software infrastructure for scaling test automation to dozens of test stands, and create and manage databases for logging test results. Help us save lives as we strive to deliver the most highly reliable aerospace hardware in the industry.
Responsibilities
- Architect, design, and develop software drivers and interfaces in Python for hardware systems, including PCBAs, avionics, sensors, and automated test equipment.
- Design and implement automated test frameworks to validate aircraft components and subsystems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and repeatability across multiple programs.
- Develop and evolve CI/CD pipelines that enable continuous integration, automated validation, and seamless deployment of test stand software.
- Build and maintain scalable test infrastructure and shared libraries, promoting modularity, reusability, and consistency across teams and platforms.
- Automate system provisioning and configuration management to accelerate deployment and maintenance of new test stands and test environments.
- Develop real-time monitoring and data visualization tools (e.g., Grafana) to deliver actionable insights during test execution and system debugging.
- Lead and participate in design and code reviews, championing sound architectural principles, testability, observability, and reliability throughout the software stack.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, systems, and QA teams to integrate software and test capabilities into broader aircraft validation workflows.
- Other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
- Mastery of fundamental computer science topics.
- Advanced skillset for developing software in Python.
- Experience with Linux including Bash scripting and networking.
- Ability to configure and maintain small computer networks.
- Experience working on complex software development projects, which can be from an internship, job, club, team, personal project, etc.
- Demonstrated history of showing ownership of project outcomes and delivering exceptional results.
- Record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Comfort working with hardware, as the testcases you write will interface with circuit boards, motors, and sensors.
- Mastery of fundamental engineering concepts including EE, Mech E, Programming, Physics, and Mathematics.
- Experience writing drivers for electronics test equipment.
- Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and the ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful outcomes.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $128,045 - $192,067 a year
- 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. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
INTRODUCTION
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Shield AI’s mission is to protect the lives of service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The Hardware Test Engineering team contributes to this effort by designing test solutions that drive high hardware reliability on our V-BAT vehicle. These solutions are in-house designed electrical and mechanical equipment used to perform component and system-level testing, both at ambient and in simulated harsh environmental conditions. In this role you will develop software that automates hardware testing, integrates test results with existing manufacturing software, create software infrastructure for scaling test automation to dozens of test stands, and create and manage databases for logging test results. Help us save lives as we strive to deliver the most highly reliable aerospace hardware in the industry.
Responsibilities
- Architect, design, and develop software drivers and interfaces in Python for hardware systems, including PCBAs, avionics, sensors, and automated test equipment.
- Design and implement automated test frameworks to validate aircraft components and subsystems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and repeatability across multiple programs.
- Develop and evolve CI/CD pipelines that enable continuous integration, automated validation, and seamless deployment of test stand software.
- Build and maintain scalable test infrastructure and shared libraries, promoting modularity, reusability, and consistency across teams and platforms.
- Automate system provisioning and configuration management to accelerate deployment and maintenance of new test stands and test environments.
- Develop real-time monitoring and data visualization tools (e.g., Grafana) to deliver actionable insights during test execution and system debugging.
- Lead and participate in design and code reviews, championing sound architectural principles, testability, observability, and reliability throughout the software stack.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, systems, and QA teams to integrate software and test capabilities into broader aircraft validation workflows.
- Other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
- Mastery of fundamental computer science topics.
- Advanced skillset for developing software in Python.
- Experience with Linux including Bash scripting and networking.
- Ability to configure and maintain small computer networks.
- Experience working on complex software development projects, which can be from an internship, job, club, team, personal project, etc.
- Demonstrated history of showing ownership of project outcomes and delivering exceptional results.
- Record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Comfort working with hardware, as the testcases you write will interface with circuit boards, motors, and sensors.
- Mastery of fundamental engineering concepts including EE, Mech E, Programming, Physics, and Mathematics.
- Experience writing drivers for electronics test equipment.
- Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and the ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful outcomes.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $128,045 - $192,067 a year
- 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. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
See all Software Engineer AI Jobs at Shield AI
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Software Engineer AI Jobs at Shield AI.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Software Engineer AI Jobs at Shield AI
Align Your Credentials to Defense Security Requirements
Shield AI works on classified defense programs, so confirm your eligibility for a security clearance before applying. Many Software Engineer AI roles require or strongly prefer candidates who can obtain a U.S. security clearance, which limits eligibility for certain visa holders.
Target Roles Matching Your Exact ML Stack
Shield AI's AI engineering work spans autonomy, computer vision, and embedded systems. Match your application to postings that name your specific frameworks, such as PyTorch or ROS, since generic software engineering backgrounds are less competitive than deep specialization in defense-relevant AI.
Use Migrate Mate to Surface Active Sponsorship Openings
Not all Shield AI postings actively welcome visa sponsorship at the same time. Use Migrate Mate to filter Software Engineer AI roles at Shield AI that are currently open to sponsored candidates, so you're not applying blind to postings that won't support your visa status.
Clarify OPT and CPT Timelines With Your Recruiter Early
If you're on F-1 OPT, Shield AI needs to start your onboarding before your authorization window closes. Bring your EAD expiration date into early recruiter conversations, since defense hiring cycles can run longer than standard tech roles.
Understand How TN Status Fits Defense Contracting Work
Canadian and Mexican nationals on TN status can work in Software Engineer AI roles, but TN classification requires the position to fall within a qualifying USMCA occupation category. Confirm with Shield AI's immigration counsel that your specific role description aligns with DOL's TN engineer definition before accepting an offer.
Prepare for PERM Labor Certification If Pursuing a Green Card
EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card paths require PERM labor certification through DOL, a process that typically takes 12 to 18 months before USCIS even receives your petition. Ask Shield AI's immigration team about their PERM filing cadence for engineering roles so you can plan your long-term status accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shield AI sponsor H-1B visas for Software Engineer AIs?
Shield AI has sponsored employment-based visas for engineering roles, but H-1B visa sponsorship for Software Engineer AI positions depends on the specific role, your current status, and timing relative to the H-1B cap lottery. Roles requiring a security clearance may also narrow which candidates Shield AI will commit to sponsoring through the H-1B process. Confirm sponsorship eligibility directly with the recruiter before advancing through interviews.
How do I apply for Software Engineer AI jobs at Shield AI?
Applications go through Shield AI's careers page, where postings list required clearance levels, technical skills, and location requirements. Tailor your resume to the autonomy or AI subsystem the role focuses on, whether that's computer vision, motion planning, or embedded inference. Migrate Mate also lists Shield AI's open Software Engineer AI roles filtered by visa sponsorship eligibility, which helps you identify the right openings before applying.
Which visa types are commonly used for Software Engineer AI roles at Shield AI?
Shield AI has worked with F-1 OPT, F-1 CPT, TN visa, J-1 visa, and employment-based immigrant visas including EB-2 and EB-3 for engineering talent. F-1 OPT is the most common entry point for recent graduates. TN visa is available to Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying engineer categories. EB-2 and EB-3 are longer-term pathways that require PERM labor certification through DOL before USCIS adjudicates the immigrant petition.
What qualifications does Shield AI expect for Software Engineer AI positions?
Most postings expect a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field, plus hands-on experience with machine learning frameworks like PyTorch and real-time systems or robotics middleware like ROS. Roles on autonomous platforms often require familiarity with onboard inference, sensor fusion, or embedded Linux. The ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance is listed as a requirement or strong preference on most positions.
How long does the sponsorship and hiring process take at Shield AI?
Defense hiring cycles at Shield AI tend to run longer than standard tech roles, often eight to fourteen weeks from application to offer, partly due to security clearance screenings. If H-1B sponsorship is involved, USCIS standard processing adds three to six months on top of that. F-1 OPT candidates need to account for their remaining work authorization window against that timeline and flag any STEM OPT extension needs to the recruiter early.