Lab Specialist III (R#3442)
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge—as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software). With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.
As an Lab Specialist, you will take ownership of our Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) lab in our Washington, D.C. office, ensuring it operates efficiently and effectively. You will collaborate across teams in a fast-paced environment to design, build, and maintain the HIL infrastructure and assets. This role requires a hands-on approach—fabricating hardware, integrating test systems, troubleshooting complex issues, and optimizing lab processes. Your contributions will be instrumental in accelerating development cycles, improving system reliability, and supporting critical mission objectives.
What You'll Do:
Manage Lab Operations – Oversee the organization and daily operation of the integration lab, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency. Continuously improve processes, including adopting 5S principles. Maintain Test Assets – Track, configure, and manage lab equipment and test assets to ensure availability and integrity. Develop tools to streamline and automate inventory management. Build & Integrate Hardware – Fabricate hardware fixtures and cable harnesses for autonomy and mission systems software testing and validation. Execute Test Procedures – Work closely with developers to conduct both formal and informal testing, collect and distribute test artifacts to stakeholders Troubleshoot & Analyze – Perform first-level triage on test failures by reviewing logs and identifying root causes. Utilize Lab Management Tools – Maintain and operate software tools for inventory management, event scheduling, and test execution. Support Key Lab Events – Set up and facilitate simulations, feature demonstrations, and critical testing operations. Provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting in real time. Required Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent. 4+ years of hands-on technical experience. Willingness to travel (approx. 10%) to support offsite test visits.Experience managing a Systems Integration Lab, or similar environment. Basic familiarity with networking concepts, including Local Area Networks (LANs) in a lab environment, such as setting up network devices, configuring IP addresses, and troubleshooting connectivity issues. Ability to configure software devices, troubleshoot integration issues, and diagnose root causes. Proficiency in reading mechanical and electrical drawings, with hands-on experience building test fixtures to spec. Skilled in fabricating and repairing cable harnesses, including soldering, crimping, and connector assembly. Strong analytical skills with the ability to anticipate and resolve issues before they impact lab operations. Effective communicator with the ability to guide and support teams during lab events and testing procedures. Basic experience in python and/or bash scripting.Proven problem-solver with a bias for action, able to take tasks from concept to completion with minimal oversight. Ability to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 30 lbs. unassisted.Ability to work all shifts and available for overtime and weekends, as needed. Preferred Qualifications:
Associate degree or higher in a STEM or similar field Experience working in Aerospace or DoD related integration Labs Background in a fast-paced, R&D or startup environment. Formal 5S training Holds active DoD clearance #LI-LD1
#LC
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.
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