Staff Engineer, Test & Evaluation R5141 - shieldai

Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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:

We are looking for a driven and hands-on test professional to support aircraft and system testing in a fast-paced aerospace environment on our XBAT program. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, working closely with cross-functional teams, and seeing projects move from early development through production and flight operations. The right candidate will have experience planning and executing tests for UAV or manned aircraft platforms and be comfortable building test plans and procedures from the ground up. This individual should be organized, adaptable, and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple test activities while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and mission success.

What you'll do:

• Manage and maintain traceability of test requirements throughout system development, integration, and test execution phases.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute aircraft/lab test execution activities, including pre-test readiness reviews, test conduct, data collection, and post-test reporting.
• Coordinate test schedules and support comprehensive test planning activities to ensure alignment with program milestones and objectives.
• Develop and manage test event sequencing and execution plans throughout the aircraft build and integration lifecycle.
• Coordinate and oversee ground and flight test execution activities, ensuring adherence to 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 (TRRs), test planning meetings, and pre-test briefings to support successful test execution.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve test procedures to enhance accuracy, efficiency, repeatability, and overall execution quality.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and evaluate test anomalies, discrepancies, and system performance issues to support timely resolution.
• Collaborate closely with Test Engineering, Quality Engineering, and cross-functional teams to resolve issues, implement corrective actions, and improve test processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing test efficiency, execution quality, and operational effectiveness.