Lead Flight Test Engineer, UAS & Avionics

Shield

Texas

On-site

USD 120,000 - 190,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

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Benefits

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Job summary

Shield AI seeks a seasoned Flight Test Engineer to develop and lead ground and flight test operations for next-gen aircraft systems. You will collaborate across engineering, operations, autonomy, and manufacturing to validate requirements, troubleshoot issues, and mature capabilities. The role requires a STEM degree, 8+ years in flight test, and willingness to travel to test ranges.

Estimated salary ranges from $120,000 to $190,000 per year, with bonus, benefits, and equity. U.S.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM Degree).
8+ 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.
Willingness to travel and work outdoors, fields, or test range environments.
U.S. Citizenship Only with In-Scope active Secret clearance required to start.

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 maintain 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.