Senior Engineer, Production Test (R6513)

Shield AI•Seattle, WA

About The Position

Shield AI is seeking a hands-on test professional to support aircraft and system testing on its XBAT program in a fast-paced aerospace environment. The role involves planning and executing tests for UAV or manned aircraft platforms, developing test plans and procedures, and supporting work from early development through production and flight operations. The position requires organization, adaptability, attention to detail, and a strong focus on safety, quality, and mission success while managing multiple test activities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field and 5 or more years of relevant aerospace, aircraft-test, or flight-test experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience planning, executing, and reporting on test activities for UAV, UAS, or manned aircraft systems.
Ability to read, interpret, and understand engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.
Experience developing aircraft test plans, test procedures, and test documentation for new or modified aircraft systems.
Hands-on experience supporting aircraft integration, test, and validation in a production or manufacturing environment.
Ability to troubleshoot complex aircraft, avionics, and system-integration issues during test activities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.
Attention to detail and a proactive, safety-focused approach to testing and operations.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance and any required program access.
Willingness to work non-standard hours, including evenings and weekends, as required.
Ability to travel domestically for flight-test and customer-site activities.

Nice To Haves

Current active DoD Secret security clearance, with eligibility to support special access programs.
Experience supporting Group 5 UAS/UAV launch, recovery, and flight operations.
Hands-on experience with aircraft avionics systems, integration, troubleshooting, and testing.
Aircraft maintenance experience with military, commercial, or unmanned aircraft platforms.
Experience conducting laboratory-based testing, verification, and validation of aircraft systems, subsystems, or components.

Responsibilities

Manage and maintain test-requirement traceability throughout system development, integration, and test execution.
Plan, coordinate, and execute aircraft and laboratory test activities, including readiness reviews, test conduct, data collection, and post-test reporting.
Coordinate test schedules and support test planning to align with program milestones and objectives.
Develop and manage test-event sequencing and execution plans through aircraft build and integration.
Coordinate and oversee ground and flight test execution in accordance with 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, test-planning meetings, and pre-test briefings.
Develop, maintain, and improve test procedures to increase accuracy, efficiency, repeatability, and execution quality.
Investigate, troubleshoot, and evaluate test anomalies, discrepancies, and system-performance issues.
Collaborate with Test Engineering, Quality Engineering, and cross-functional teams to resolve issues, implement corrective actions, and improve test processes.
Drive continuous-improvement initiatives for test efficiency, execution quality, and operational effectiveness.
Support extended hours, shift work, and weekend operations as needed to meet test schedules, flight operations, and program commitments.