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 to travel and work outdoors, fields, or test range environments
Overtime and weekend coverage as required
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
