UAS Flight Test Lead — Autonomy & Mission Validation

InvestedintheMission; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in San Diego is seeking a Staff UAS Flight Test Operator to lead system-level flight test campaigns for the Hivemind Mission Autonomy across multi-rotor and fixed-wing UAS platforms. You will plan missions, operate and inspect aircraft, and ensure safety and readiness across lab and flight-test environments.

The role requires 8+ years of UAS flight operations experience, strong knowledge of autopilot hardware and ground control systems, and a valid FAA Part 107 certificate.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience operating, configuring, and maintaining UAS platforms in test or operational environments.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate holder.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex UAS flight operations including mission planning and debriefings.
• Strong knowledge of UAS hardware, autopilot systems, payloads, and ground control systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead system-level flight test campaigns for Hivemind Mission Autonomy across multi-rotor, fixed-wing, and external UAS platforms.
• Plan and conduct missions in accordance with test plans, requirements, and safety procedures.
• Operate, configure, inspect, and maintain UAS, payloads, ground control systems, and test equipment.
• Test pre-release HivemindSDK versions verifying features, integrations, and performance.
• Develop and execute representative customer workflows to assess SDK functionality and reliability.
• Document test results, defects, and provide actionable feedback to product and QA teams.
• Lead risk assessments, crew briefings, and post-flight debriefs; mentor test personnel.

Skills

UAS flight operations

Autopilot systems

Safety procedures

Crew leadership

Test planning

Tools

ArduPilot

PX4

QGroundControl

Mission Planner

Linux

MAVLink

ROS/ROS 2

Job description

Shield AI in San Diego is seeking a Staff UAS Flight Test Operator to lead system-level flight test campaigns for the Hivemind Mission Autonomy across multi-rotor and fixed-wing UAS platforms. You will plan missions, operate and inspect aircraft, and ensure safety and readiness across lab and flight-test environments.

The role requires 8+ years of UAS flight operations experience, strong knowledge of autopilot hardware and ground control systems, and a valid FAA Part 107 certificate.