# Staff Engineer, Software Test

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Melbourne, Australia
**Role:** QA Engineering
**Experience:** 7+ years
**Skills:** Python, Linux, CI/CD, Test Automation, Test Frameworks, Test Harnesses, Software Verification, Regression Testing, Quality Assurance, Simulation, Software-In-The-Loop, Hardware-In-The-Loop, Ardupilot, Px4, Robotics
**Posted:** 2026-09-08

> Staff-level engineer responsible for building automated test infrastructure and executing software verification across simulation, hardware, and vehicle environments for autonomy systems. Requires a relevant bachelor’s degree, substantial test automation experience, Python, Linux, and CI/CD expertise.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks, validation tooling, and test infrastructure for autonomy software.
- Develop and execute verification and validation strategies across simulation, Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL), and representative system environments.
- Build automated regression, integration, functional, and performance test suites.
- Develop Python-based automation, test harnesses, and analysis tools.
- Analyze test results, identify software defects and integration issues, and support cross-functional root-cause investigations.
- Develop software quality metrics, dashboards, and readiness assessments.
- Integrate automated testing into CI/CD workflows for continuous validation and rapid developer feedback.
- Collaborate with autonomy software, systems engineering, flight test, and integration teams to define validation strategies and readiness criteria.
- Improve test infrastructure, automation coverage, and validation methodologies.

## Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 4–7 years of experience developing software test, verification, automation, or validation solutions for robotics, autonomy, aerospace, or other complex distributed systems.
- Strong proficiency in Python for automation, testing, and data analysis.
- Experience developing automated test frameworks, test harnesses, or validation infrastructure.
- Experience with Linux-based development environments.
- Experience validating software in simulation, SIL, HIL, and/or representative hardware environments.
- Experience debugging complex software and system integration issues.
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines and continuous validation practices.
- Strong understanding of software verification, regression testing, and quality assurance methodologies.

## Nice to Have
- Experience with flight control systems such as ArduPilot or PX4.
- Experience with unmanned aerial systems, including fixed-wing aircraft or quadrotors.
- Background in autonomy, robotics, or aerospace systems.
- Familiarity with flight controllers, radios, and communications systems.

## Similar jobs

- [Staff Engineer, Quality Assurance](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/1f7f34f3-9443-46ed-b83a-40353cf698fa) - Shield AI - Melbourne, Australia
- [Senior Engineer, Test](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/d05391a2-9cd2-4177-bd15-de3e37fdba69) - Shield AI - Melbourne, Australia
- [Senior Quality Engineer](https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/7af0e7ee-6cfd-4b65-9ef1-1bf0e4bc2c7b) - Circle - Remote - $120k – $130k/yr

**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/3887ec93-40a0-4845-bf47-73c15f59554a
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/3887ec93-40a0-4845-bf47-73c15f59554a