Flight Test Engineer; R5006) Security Clearance

Position: Flight Test Engineer (R5006) with Security Clearance
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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

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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.

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