Senior Production Test Engineer — UAV/Flight Systems

Shield AI; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI’s XBAT program seeks a hands-on test professional to lead aircraft and system testing in a fast-paced aerospace environment. You will plan, execute, and report tests from development through production and flight operations.

You will collaborate across Test Engineering and Quality teams, develop test procedures, manage risk and safety, and travel domestically to support flight tests and customer sites. This role requires DoD clearance eligibility and strong communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field with 5+ years aerospace/test experience.
• Experience planning, executing, and reporting on test activities for UAV/UAS or manned aircraft systems.
• Ability to read, interpret, and understand engineering drawings and schematics.
• Experience developing aircraft test plans, test procedures, and test documentation for new or modified aircraft systems.
• Willingness to obtain DoD Secret clearance and travel domestically to support flight test and customer site activities.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain traceability of test requirements throughout system development, integration, and test execution phases.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute aircraft/lab test execution activities, including pre-test readiness reviews, test conduct, data collection, and post-test reporting.
• Coordinate test schedules and support comprehensive test planning activities to ensure alignment with program milestones and objectives.
• Develop and manage test event sequencing and execution plans throughout the aircraft build and integration lifecycle.
• Coordinate and oversee ground and flight test execution activities, ensuring adherence to approved procedures, safety requirements, and program objectives.
• Ensure test activities, methodologies, and deliverables align with engineering, mission, and program requirements.
• Participate in Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), test planning meetings, and pre-test briefings to support successful test execution.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve test procedures to enhance accuracy, efficiency, repeatability, and overall execution quality.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and evaluate test anomalies, discrepancies, and system performance issues to support timely resolution.
• Collaborate closely with Test Engineering, Quality Engineering, and cross-functional teams to resolve issues, implement corrective actions, and improve test processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing test efficiency, execution quality, and operational effectiveness.
• Support extended work hours, shift work, and weekend operations as required to meet test schedules, flight operations, and program commitments.

Skills

Aerospace test experience

Plan, coordinate, and execute tests

Read engineering drawings

Strong communication

Safety-focused testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field

Job description

Shield AI’s XBAT program seeks a hands-on test professional to lead aircraft and system testing in a fast-paced aerospace environment. You will plan, execute, and report tests from development through production and flight operations.

You will collaborate across Test Engineering and Quality teams, develop test procedures, manage risk and safety, and travel domestically to support flight tests and customer sites. This role requires DoD clearance eligibility and strong communication.