Autonomous Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

Shield; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer to support data acquisition systems for X-BAT, the world’s first autonomous VTOL jet aircraft. You will design, install, validate, and maintain instrumentation across propulsion, structural, avionics, and autonomy systems.

This hands-on role requires strong technical depth, disciplined execution, and the ability to operate in a dynamic field environment, with travel to field test sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace or related field.
• 2+ years in flight test instrumentation or related hardware integration.
• Hands-on experience with sensors, DAQs, wiring harnesses, telemetry systems.
• Strong understanding of signal conditioning, data synchronization.

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, and maintain flight test instrumentation systems (sensors, DAQs, telemetry, harnesses).
• Develop instrumentation architecture, wiring diagrams, and installation docs.
• Calibrate sensors and validate data acquisition systems.
• Troubleshoot issues and perform root-cause analysis under tight timelines.
• Collaborate with Flight Test and Engineering teams on requirements and safety.

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer to support data acquisition systems for X-BAT, the world’s first autonomous VTOL jet aircraft. You will design, install, validate, and maintain instrumentation across propulsion, structural, avionics, and autonomy systems.

This hands-on role requires strong technical depth, disciplined execution, and the ability to operate in a dynamic field environment, with travel to field test sites as needed.