Staff Flight Test Engineer (R4009)

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the 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:

Are you a passionate, innovative, and experienced in aircraft ground and flight system-level testing looking to help develop state-of-the-art AI and robotics products? Are you eager to make a positive difference in the world? Do you want to work alongside mission driven and values focused teammates? Shield AI is just the place for you!    

As a Staff Flight Test Engineer, you will lead the integration and verification efforts for our vertical take-off unmanned aerial vehicle, demonstrating flightworthiness and mission capability. You will work cross-functionally in a dynamic and fast paced environment to help to plan and conduct UAV ground and flight testing in support of product development and prototyping.  

Establish and lead program/configuration level test strategies throughout development lifecycle to include:  

-Development of program test milestones and associated artifact delivery  

-Planning and coordination of ground and flight test plans   

-Definition and management of test infrastructure to include configuration of aircraft and ground control segment hardware, software, subsystems and test asset utilization   

-Establish best engineering practices, common operating procedures  

-Participate in or lead post-test debriefing in test conductor capacity  

-Lead root cause analysis investigations, perform out-of-cycle tests to support debug or special developer validation requests without pre-defined documentation  

Support system-level qualification testing to include:  

-Functional Acceptance Test procedure development and execution  

-Develop, maintain, and execute system-level engineering test procedures and troubleshooting on hardware and software-in-the-loop validation platforms  

-Configure/operate industry standard test and measurement equipment for debug and data collection  

-Provide supporting artifacts required for safety and flight readiness reviews, requirements verification efforts 

• Lead the planning, execution, and analysis of ground and flight tests for V-Bat unmanned system  
• Conduct flight tests, rigorously assessing system capabilities and performance  
• Engage hands-on during flight test operations, ensuring precise execution and data collection  
• Drive hardware and software modifications based on thorough analysis and feedback obtained from testing outcomes
• Lead flight readiness reviews, pre-flight briefs, debriefs, etc. in a test conductor capacity.
• Document test procedures, results, and lessons learned to contribute to the continuous improvement of flight test processes
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of flight test operations
• Other duties as assigned

• B.S. degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline, such as Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering. Technology-related degree plan also acceptable, e.g., Electrical Engineering, Aeronautics or Information Technology. Degrees with Manufacturing Testing competency will be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in test engineering practices and principals, including developing test plans, test procedures, and test reporting.  
• Experience with cross-functional support with Systems Engineering and design engineering functions.   
• You are organized and methodical.    
• You are a strong communicator, both written and verbally.  
•  You have a demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others.

• Proficiency in MATLAB  
• Experience building or prototyping small aircraft or RC components 
• Previous UAV operations and/or maintenance  
• Previous environmental test experience, familiarity with MIL-810 

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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.