--- title: 'Associate Platform Engineer at Aechelon Technology' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/associate-platform-engineer-aechelon-technology-south-san-francisco-n1fcman75fds' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-07' --- # Associate Platform Engineer at Aechelon Technology - **Company:** Aechelon Technology - **Location:** South San Francisco, CA - **Posted:** 2026-09-04 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/aechelontechnology/jobs/5407414008 ## Job description Aechelon Technology, Inc. is a leading producer of 3D simulator content, including Geospecific visual/sensor databases and realistic 3D models. We seek people who share our passion for real-time computer graphics and commitment to our mission of helping make our Nation’s pilots safer. We will give you a chance to work with some of the most talented people in the graphics industry. The Associate Platform Engineer – Hardware supports the engineering integration, qualification, production readiness, and lifecycle maintenance of Aechelon’s computing platforms. Working with general direction from senior Platform Engineers, this role assembles and configures computer hardware, executes documented hardware qualification procedures, investigates system-level issues, evaluates component changes, and maintains engineering records. The role may also support prototype logistics, inventory, shipping, and lab operations as needed, but its primary focus is hands-on hardware engineering and qualification of workstation, server, and embedded computing platforms. This position is intended for an early-career engineer who wants to develop practical expertise in computer hardware integration, validation, troubleshooting, and product lifecycle support. Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to the following: - Perform engineering integration, qualification, production readiness, and lifecycle support of PC-based workstations, servers, and embedded computing platforms. - Assemble, configure, upgrade, and maintain prototype, qualification, and lab computer systems. - Execute documented functional, compatibility, performance, power, thermal, reliability, and stress-testing procedures. - Analyze and document test results, failures, observations, troubleshooting steps, and recommended follow-up actions. - Reproduce and troubleshoot hardware, firmware, driver, and system-level issues, escalating findings when additional engineering analysis is required. - Assist with the qualification of new, replacement, revised, or end-of-life components. - Compare proposed hardware changes against established technical, performance, compatibility, thermal, power, and lifecycle requirements. - Support prototype builds, pilot production, first-article evaluation, RMAs, and the transition of qualified hardware designs to manufacturing. - Maintain engineering records, including bills of materials, hardware configuration records, test procedures, qualification reports, issue records, and work instructions. - Coordinate with Platform Engineering, Production, Quality, Purchasing, vendors, and contract manufacturers to investigate and resolve hardware-related issues. - Maintain safe, organized, and functional engineering lab and hardware work areas. - Support the tracking, shipping, receiving, and inventory of engineering prototypes, qualification hardware, replacement parts, returned materials, and test equipment. - Follow documented safety, quality, configuration-management, and export-control requirements. - Perform other related platform engineering and hardware qualification duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical field; or an associate degree with relevant hands-on technical experience. - Typically a minimum of two years of experience assembling, testing, maintaining, or troubleshooting computer hardware. Relevant internships, academic projects, military experience, certifications, technical support experience, or personal projects may be considered. - Working knowledge of PC or server hardware, including processors, memory, storage, graphics devices, power supplies, cooling systems, PCI Express devices, and network interfaces. - Hands-on experience installing, configuring, upgrading, and troubleshooting computer hardware. - General understanding of BIOS/UEFI configuration, firmware updates, hardware drivers, and operating-system installation. - Familiarity with Microsoft Windows-based systems. - Ability to execute documented test procedures, accurately record results, identify abnormal behavior, and recognize when an issue requires escalation. - Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to hardware troubleshooting and technical documentation. - Ability to manage multiple engineering assignments with limited day-to-day supervision, seeking guidance primarily on new or unfamiliar assignments. - Effective written and verbal communication skills. - Ability to safely lift and move computer equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. - Ability to work with export-controlled technology, including meeting applicable U.S. export-control eligibility requirements. Preferred Qualifications: - Experience building, testing, or supporting PC-based servers, workstations, or embedded systems. - Familiarity with hardware qualification, benchmarking, diagnostics, thermal testing, power measurement, reliability testing, or stress-testing tools. - Familiarity with test equipment such as power meters, thermocouples, multimeters, or data-logging equipment. - Experience troubleshooting interactions among hardware, firmware, drivers, and operating systems. - Basic understanding of computer networking and Ethernet switch configuration. - Basic scripting experience using PowerShell, Python, Bash, or a similar language. - Experience with Jira, Git, Perforce, or similar issue-tracking and configuration-management tools. - Experience maintaining bills of materials, engineering change records, product configurations, test reports, or other technical documentation. - Familiarity with manufacturing, RMA, contract-manufacturing, inventory, shipping, or receiving processes. - Experience working in a hardware engineering lab, production environment, help desk, or technical support role. - Proficiency with Microsoft Office. - Relevant certifications such as CompTIA A+, Server+, or Network+. ## Compensation and Benefits $120,000 - $140,000 per year The above range is specific to CALIFORNIA and may not be applicable to other locations. Final compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience. We offer a very attractive compensation package including competitive base salary, company performance-based profit sharing, 401k, 100% employer paid health benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, std, ltd, and life insurance plans). No relocation reimbursement provided. This position description is not intended to be a complete listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee holding this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may be changed or others may be assigned at any time by the Company with notice to the employee. Aechelon Technology is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing access and opportunities to individuals with disabilities. If you are an applicant who is unable to fully utilize/access our application process because of a disability, Aechelon Technology will provide a reasonable accommodation. Please send an email to hr_team@aechelon.com to request that accommodation, and please be sure to include a detailed description of your requested accommodation, your name and preferred method of contact. ## About Aechelon Technology ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Aechelon Technology provides mission-grade synthetic reality visualization and simulation solutions for defense, national security, and emergency response customers. - **Entity Type**: Private (acquired by Shield AI, Inc. in November 2024) - **Headquarters**: South San Francisco, California, United States - **Founded**: 1998 - **Founders**: Nacho Sanz-Pastor (Co-Founder & CEO), Javier Castellar (Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer) ## Core Business - Primary industry/industries: Defense Technology, Simulation & Training, Synthetic Reality, AI/ML Data Generation - Target customers: U.S. Department of Defense (all branches), U.S. Allies, Government Prime Contractors, national security and emergency response organizations - Mission statement: "Ensure the safety, mission readiness and tactical superiority of national security and emergency response customers with immersive, high-fidelity and geo-specific representations of the real world." ## Products & Services - **Nucleus**: Real-time image generator with 8K imagery at 240Hz, multi-GPU single chassis design, incorporating AI/ML-driven databases. - **Nexus**: Secure shared storage solution for geospatial and sensor databases. - **SkyBeam™**: Rapid database updates and full motion video (FMV) generation. - **RTK (Radar Toolkit)**: Software toolkit for radar simulation and sensor modeling. - **Geo-Specific Databases**: High-fidelity, multi-spectral digital twin of Earth for training, testing, and mission rehearsal. - **Mixed Reality (MR) Trainers**: Head-mounted display solutions for immersive training, including eye-limiting multi-sensor MR systems. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (private company, acquired by Shield AI) - **Key Metric**: Annual Revenue of ~$23.6 million (LinkedIn estimate) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Shield AI (parent company since November 2024), Sagewind Capital (prior investment) - **Growth Signals**: Headcount of 174 employees (+17.8% YoY, +34 people); LinkedIn followers grew 73.1% year-over-year; over 1,000 DoD operational flight training systems supported across U.S. and Allies; active on major defense programs including F-35, P-8 Poseidon, CH-47F, MH-60R/S, and F-16. ## Competitive Advantages - **Unmatched Fidelity**: Real-time 8K imagery at 240Hz with real-world physics, precise terrain, weather, and light reflection. - **Multi-Domain Expertise**: Decades of experience (since 1998) in visual simulation for air, ground, and maritime platforms across all U.S. military branches. - **AI/ML Integration**: Ability to generate synthetic training data and virtual sensor feeds to validate autonomous systems and AI/ML models at scale. - **Proven Track Record**: Excellent past performance evaluations on numerous high-profile defense programs with zero delivery failures noted. - **Patented Technology**: Holds 8+ patents in image generation and display systems, with 11 patents attributed to key engineer David Morgan. ## Strategic Focus - **Autonomous Systems & AI**: Scaling synthetic data generation for AI/ML training of autonomous navigation and ISR systems. - **Digital Twin Expansion**: Developing global commercial databases for multi-domain operations. - **Multi-Spectral Sensor Simulation**: Enhancing sensor capabilities across visual, radar, and infrared spectrums for mission rehearsal. - **Growth Through Shield AI**: Leveraging acquisition to accelerate development and expand market reach. ## Why Work Here - **Mission-Driven Work**: Directly contribute to national security and support U.S. Armed Forces and Allies. - **Cutting-Edge Tech**: Work with state-of-the-art AI/ML, 8K real-time graphics, and mixed reality systems. - **Stability & Growth**: Long-standing company (27+ years) with consistent growth and recent acquisition by Shield AI. - **Culture**: Emphasizes innovation, trustworthiness, and "performance without compromise" as core values. - **Locations**: South San Francisco, CA (HQ); Overland Park, KS; Orlando, FL; Farmer's Branch, TX; presence in Spain and Canada. - **Open Roles**: 17 active positions across Software Engineering, QA, Data Science, Systems Engineering, IT, and Content Creation (as of search date). ## Sources 1. [aechelon.com](https://aechelon.com/) 2. [aechelon.com/about](https://aechelon.com/about/) 3. [aechelon.com/careers](https://aechelon.com/careers/) 4. [Greenhouse Job Board](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/aechelontechnology) 5. 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