Principal Flight Test Engineer, Next Gen Aircraft (R4004)

Shield AI•Wichita, KS

62d

About The Position

Shield AI is redefining autonomous aviation with cutting-edge AI and GPS/RF-denied navigation technologies. Now, we're building a next-generation aircraft like no other - one that will push the boundaries of innovation and performance. As a Flight Test Engineer and Pilot in Command, you'll operate at the intersection of engineering, operations, and flight test execution, directly shaping system performance and operational readiness for our most advanced platforms. You'll be responsible for safe, data-driven flight testing of large UAS, developing and refining test infrastructure, and leading mission-critical evaluations that accelerate fielded capability. If you excel in cross-functional collaboration, thrive in fast-moving environments, and are passionate about pushing the limits of power system design, we want to hear from you.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent technical experience)
7+ years of experience in flight test or system test of advanced unmanned or manned aircraft systems
Experience with experimental fighter or Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) flight test programs or equivalent complex system integration
Demonstrated experience in control-room design, development, and operations, including test conduct, comms discipline, and real-time telemetry integration
Hands-on experience with flight-test instrumentation, telemetry configuration, and data-acquisition systems
Test and engineering experience in aerodynamics/performance, loads and dynamics, propulsion, or electrical systems
Proven ability to generate and execute flight-operations procedures, and develop mission scripts and test cards
Familiarity with flight-test risk management, pre-flight briefings, and structured post-flight debriefs
Strong analytical skills and proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for post-flight analysis
Working knowledge of military standards (e.g., MIL-STD-882E, MIL-STD-516C) and U.S. airspace regulations governing UAS operations
Excellent technical writing and communication skills across engineering, operations, and leadership audiences
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or ability to obtain)

Nice To Haves

Pilot certification (Private, Commercial, or higher) or prior military flight qualification
Experience with large UAS development
Background in DoD developmental or operational flight test (DT/OT, E-/T-designated)
Familiarity with DO-178C, MIL-STD-810, or airworthiness qualification standards
Experience as Airworthiness or Test Safety Officer

Responsibilities

Serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) our next gen unmanned flight operations, ensuring strict adherence to safety and procedural standards
Lead end-to-end test campaigns - from planning and readiness reviews through mission execution, post-flight data analysis, and reporting
Design, document, and refine control-room infrastructure and flight-operations procedures to enhance mission efficiency and situational awareness.
Support control-room operations, including console procedures, comms discipline, and coordination across flight, telemetry, and safety teams.
Develop and maintain test plans, test cards, hazard analyses, and data-collection templates in coordination with engineering and test safety
Conduct real-time telemetry monitoring, anomaly identification, and flight-data validation
Perform post-flight analysis and debriefs, delivering concise, actionable findings to engineering, autonomy, and systems teams
Serve as test conductor during all mission events, managing test execution, crew communications, and dynamic re-tasking under time-critical conditions
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in test process, instrumentation, telemetry systems, and data architecture.

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