Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 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.

What you'll do:: 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 improve 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 Required 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 Willingness and ability to travel up to 80% for candidates not based in the Wichita Metro Area, including travel to test sites, ranges, and other field locations Overtime and weekend cove