Flight Test Engineer

Flight Test EngineerShield 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.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.Develop, publish, and execute comprehensive flight test plans, procedures, cards, risk assessments, safety, and readiness reviewsSupport integration and test of aircraft systems, payloads, comms/data links, software, ground control systems, and mission equipmentLead and coordinate pre-flight, flight, and post-flight activities, including system configuration, instrumentation, telemetry, data collection and test reportsAnalyze ground and flight test data to identify performance trends, anomalies, root causes, and corrective actionsCoordinate with engineering teams to validate requirements, troubleshoot issues, and mature system capabilitiesLead or participate in test range operations, safety briefings, go/no-go decisions, and test setup and logisticsDocument test results, lessons learned, anomalies, and recommendations in clear technical reportsSupport aircraft maintenance, configuration control, and system readinessCreate and improve flight test processes, tools, data workflows, and operational efficiencyCreate and maintain ground and air operating limitations requirementsTravel to test sites, customer locations, and field exercises as requiredRequired 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 engineeringStrong understanding of aircraft systems, flight dynamics, avionics, telemetry, sensors, or control systemsProven ability to write and execute structured test plans, procedures, and reportsStrong troubleshooting skills in field and/or lab environmentsExcellent communication skills and ability to work across engineering and operations teamsWillingness 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 locationsOvertime and weekend coverage as requiredActive Secret Security ClearancePreferred qualifications:10+ years of experience with developmental and/or operational ground and flight test, unmanned aircraft systems, aircraft integration, or aerospace systems engineeringExperience in Group 4-5 UAS and/or fighter type capability or similar weapons systemsFamiliarity with FAA, DoW, and test range flight operationsExperience with autonomy, navigation, mission planning, and Command-and-Control (C2) systemsHands-on experience with aircraft maintenance, avionics integration, payload integration, and ground support equipmentExperience with telemetry systems, flight and data logs, sensor data, datalinks, and RF systemsPart 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or crewed aviation experienceProven Mission Control Room experience using Integrated Analysis & Data System (IADS) or similar development FTI display systemExperience leading or supporting developmental flight test campaigns from design through planning and execution to include reportingThe 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.