Flight Test Engineer – UAS Autonomy & Data Analysis

InvestedintheMission; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, and improve ground and flight test operations for a next-gen aircraft system. You will collaborate with engineering, operations, autonomy, systems integration, product support, and manufacturing teams to mature the platform.

The role requires a STEM degree and 5–10 years of test experience, with strong knowledge of avionics, telemetry, and control systems. Occasional travel up to 80% is expected; overtime may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM).
• 5–10 years of ground and flight test experience with aircraft systems or aerospace engineering.
• Strong knowledge 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 or lab environments.
• Excellent communication across engineering and operations teams.
• Willingness 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 availability as required.
• Active Secret Security Clearance

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Flight test engineering

Troubleshooting

Communication

Team collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Tools

IADS

Telemetry systems

C2 systems

Job description

Shield AI is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, and improve ground and flight test operations for a next-gen aircraft system. You will collaborate with engineering, operations, autonomy, systems integration, product support, and manufacturing teams to mature the platform.

The role requires a STEM degree and 5–10 years of test experience, with strong knowledge of avionics, telemetry, and control systems. Occasional travel up to 80% is expected; overtime may be required.