Staff Engineer, Test & Evaluation (R5141)

Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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 Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. Job Description: We are looking for a driven and hands‑on test professional to support aircraft and system testing in a fast‑paced aerospace environment on our XBAT program. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, working closely with cross‑functional teams, and seeing projects move from early development through production and flight operations. The right candidate will have experience planning and executing tests for UAV or manned aircraft platforms and be comfortable building test plans and procedures from the ground up. This individual should be organized, adaptable, and detail‑oriented, with the ability to manage multiple test activities while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and mission success. What you’ll do: Manage and maintain traceability of test requirements throughout system development, integration, and test execution phases. Plan, coordinate, and execute aircraft/lab test execution activities, including pre‑test readiness reviews, test conduct, data collection, and post‑test reporting. Coordinate test schedules and support comprehensive test planning activities to ensure alignment with program milestones and objectives. Develop and manage test event sequencing and execution plans throughout the aircraft build and integration lifecycle. Coordinate and oversee ground and flight test execution activities, ensuring adherence to approved procedures, safety requirements, and program objectives. Ensure test activities, methodologies, and deliverables align with engineering, mission, and program requirements. Participate in Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), test planning meetings, and pre‑test briefings to support successful test execution. Develop, maintain, and continuously improve test procedures to enhance accuracy, efficiency, repeatability, and overall execution quality. Investigate, troubleshoot, and evaluate test anomalies, discrepancies, and system performance issues to support timely resolution. Collaborate closely with Test Engineering, Quality Engineering, and cross‑functional teams to resolve issues, implement corrective actions, and improve test processes. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing test efficiency, execution quality, and operational effectiveness. Support extended work hours, shift work, and weekend operations as required to meet test schedules, flight operations, and program commitments. Required qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field and 7+ years of relevant aerospace, aircraft test, or flight test experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience planning, executing, and reporting on test activities for UAV, UAS, or manned aircraft systems. Ability to read, interpret, and understand engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation. Experience developing aircraft test plans, test procedures, and test documentation for new or modified aircraft systems. Hands‑on experience supporting aircraft integration, test, and validation activities in a production or manufacturing environment. Ability to troubleshoot complex aircraft, avionics, and system integration issues during test activities. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross‑functional teams. Demonstrated attention to detail with a proactive, safety‑focused approach to testing and operations. Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance and any required program access. Willingness to work non‑standard hours, including evenings and weekends, as required to support program objectives. Ability to travel domestically to support flight test and customer site activities. Experience leading aircraft test planning and execution efforts across multiple programs or test events. Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and technicians. Experience coordinating test activities across engineering, manufacturing, operations, and customer stakeholders. Ability to independently develop test strategies and provide technical leadership for complex integration and flight test campaigns. Preferred qualifications: Active DoD Secret security clearance (current preferred) with eligibility to support special access programs. Experience supporting Group 5 UAS/UAV launch, recovery, and flight operations. Hands‑on experience with aircraft avionics systems, integration, troubleshooting, and testing. Aircraft maintenance experience supporting military, commercial, or unmanned aircraft platforms. Experience conducting laboratory‑based testing, verification, and validation of aircraft systems, subsystems, or components. $170,000 - $210,000 a year 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Shield AI