Flight Test Engineer – UAS & Autonomy Systems

Shieldai; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

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.

You will develop, publish, and execute comprehensive flight test plans, procedures, and risk assessments, coordinating pre-flight, flight, and post-flight activities while

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.

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.

Skills

Flight test experience

UAS experience

Telemetry

Data analysis

Test plans

Communication skills

Travel up to 80%

Security clearance

Education

STEM degree

Tools

IADS

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.

You will develop, publish, and execute comprehensive flight test plans, procedures, and risk assessments, coordinating pre-flight, flight, and post-flight activities while