Lead Flight Test Engineer, UAS & Autonomy

Shield; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a highly motivated Flight Test Engineer to develop, plan, execute, and analyze ground and flight test operations for our next generation aircraft system. You will work across engineering, operations, autonomy, systems integration, product support, manufacturing, and customers to ensure rigorous testing.

The role emphasizes test planning, integration testing, data analysis, safety reviews, and coordination of test range operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM (required).
• 8+ years in flight test, aerospace, or related engineering roles.
• Experience with unmanned/manned aircraft systems and integration.
• Strong ability to write/execute structured test plans and reports.
• Proven troubleshooting in field/lab environments.
• Excellent cross-functional communication skills.
• Willingness to travel and work outdoors at test sites.

Responsibilities

• Develop, publish, and execute flight test plans, procedures, and safety readiness reviews.
• Support integration and test of aircraft systems, payloads, comms, and software.
• Lead pre-flight, flight, and post-flight activities, including data collection and test reports.
• Analyze flight/test data to identify trends, anomalies, and corrective actions.
• Coordinate with engineering to validate requirements and mature system capabilities.
• Lead or participate in test range operations, safety briefings, and go/no-go decisions.
• Document test results, lessons learned, anomalies, and recommendations.
• Support aircraft maintenance, configuration control, and system readiness.
• Create and improve flight test processes, tools, data workflows, and efficiency.
• Create and maintain operating limitations requirements.
• Travel to test sites, customer locations, and field exercises as required.

Skills

Test planning

Troubleshooting

Communication

Team collaboration

Travel willingness

Safety mindset

Education

STEM degree

Tools

IADS display

Telemetry systems

Datalinks

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a highly motivated Flight Test Engineer to develop, plan, execute, and analyze ground and flight test operations for our next generation aircraft system. You will work across engineering, operations, autonomy, systems integration, product support, manufacturing, and customers to ensure rigorous testing.

The role emphasizes test planning, integration testing, data analysis, safety reviews, and coordination of test range operations.