Senior Engineer, Production Test (R6513)

Shield AI•Seattle, WA

6d•$140,000 - $210,000

About The Position

Shield AI is seeking a driven, hands-on test professional to support aircraft and system testing on its XBAT program in a fast-paced aerospace environment. The role spans early development through production and flight operations, and involves planning and executing tests for UAV or manned aircraft platforms. The successful candidate will develop test plans and procedures, coordinate test activities with cross-functional teams, and manage multiple activities while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and mission success. The position supports aircraft and laboratory testing, requirements traceability, test scheduling and sequencing, ground and flight test operations, anomaly investigation, and continual improvement of test processes. It requires domestic travel to support flight test and customer site activities, and may involve extended hours, shift work, evenings, and weekends as needed to meet program commitments. Compensation is listed at $140,000–$210,000 per year, with the full-time regular employee package including pay within the stated range, bonus, benefits, and equity.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field and 5+ 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 effectively across cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated 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 to support program objectives.
Ability to travel domestically to support 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 supporting military, commercial, or unmanned aircraft platforms.
Experience conducting laboratory-based testing, verification, and validation of aircraft systems, subsystems, or components.

Responsibilities

Manage and maintain traceability of test requirements through 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 comprehensive test planning aligned with program milestones and objectives.
Develop and manage test event sequencing and execution plans throughout 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, methods, 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 to support timely resolution.
Collaborate with Test Engineering, Quality Engineering, and cross-functional teams to resolve issues, implement corrective actions, and improve test processes.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase 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.
Travel domestically to support flight test and customer site activities.