Flight Test Engineer, Staff

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.  Job Description: Shield AI is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, analyze, and improve ground and flight test operations for a fast-paced next gen aircraft system. You will work closely across several segment owners of engineering, operations, autonomy, systems integration, product support, and manufacturing. What you'll do:

Develop, publish, and execute comprehensive flight test plans, procedures, cards, risk assessments, safety, and readiness reviews

Support integration and test of aircraft systems, payloads, comms/data links, software, ground control systems, and mission equipment

Lead and coordinate pre-flight, flight, and post-flight activities, including system configuration, instrumentation, telemetry, data collection and test reports

Analyze ground and flight test data to identify performance trends, anomalies, root causes, and corrective actions

Coordinate with engineering teams to validate requirements, troubleshoot issues, and mature system capabilities

Lead or participate in test range operations, safety briefings, go/no-go decisions, and test setup and logistics

Document test results, lessons learned, anomalies, and recommendations in clear technical reports

Support aircraft maintenance, configuration control, and system readiness

Create and improve flight test processes, tools, data workflows, and operational efficiency

Create and maintain ground and air operating limitations requirements

Travel to test sites, customer locations, and field exercises as required

Required qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM Degree)

5-10 years of experience with developmental and/or operational ground and flight test, unmanned/manned aircraft systems, aircraft integration, or aerospace systems engineering

Strong understanding of aircraft systems, flight dynamics, avionics, telemetry, sensors, or control systems

Proven ability to write and execute structured test plans, procedures, and reports

Strong troubleshooting skills in field and/or lab environments

Excellent communication skills and ability to work across engineering and operations teams

Willingness and ability to travel up to 80% for candidates not based in the Wichita Metro Area, including travel to test sites, ranges, and other field locations

Overtime and weekend coverage as required

Active Secret Security Clearance

Preferred qualifications:

10+ years of experience with developmental and/or operational ground and flight test, unmanned aircraft systems, aircraft integration, or aerospace systems engineering

Experience in Group 4-5 UAS and/or fighter type capability or similar weapons systems

Familiarity with FAA, DoW, and test range flight operations

Experience with autonomy, navigation, mission planning, and Command-and-Control (C2) systems

Hands-on experience with aircraft maintenance, avionics integration, payload integration, and ground support equipment

Experience with telemetry systems, flight and data logs, sensor data, datalinks, and RF systems

Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or crewed aviation experience

Proven Mission Control Room experience using Integrated Analysis & Data System (IADS) or similar development FTI display system

Experience leading or supporting developmental flight test campaigns from design through planning and execution to include reporting

Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is practical, detail-oriented engineer who is comfortable in control rooms, hangar/maintenance areas, and office type environments. You can write a detailed test plan, troubleshoot hardware and software at a test site, analyze flight data, and communicate clearly under operational pressure. You are safety-minded, have high technical acumen, and motivated by building and validating advanced and complex aircraft systems
#LI-AA1 #LD 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.