Shield AI

Staff Engineer, Test & Evaluation (R5141)

Shield AI$140K — $210K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field with 7+ years of aerospace or flight test experience; or equivalent education and experience.
  • Experience in planning and executing tests for UAV, UAS, or manned aircraft.
  • Proficiency in reading engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.
  • Hands-on experience in aircraft integration, testing, and validation.
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex systems and avionics issues during tests.
  • Strong communication skills for collaboration within cross-functional teams.
  • Proven attention to detail and a proactive safety-focused approach.

Responsibilities

  • Manage traceability of test requirements during system development and testing phases.
  • Plan and execute aircraft test activities, including readiness reviews and data collection.
  • Coordinate test schedules to align with program milestones.
  • Develop test sequencing and execution plans for aircraft integration.
  • Oversee ground and flight test activities to ensure compliance with procedures and safety.
  • Ensure test activities align with engineering and program requirements.
  • Participate in test planning meetings and readiness reviews.
  • Develop and improve test procedures for better execution quality.

Benefits

  • Bonus opportunities in addition to salary.
  • Equity options as part of the compensation package.
  • Eligibility for a temporary benefits package after 60 days of employment.
Full Job Description


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.
  • Support extended work hours, shift work, and weekend operations as required to meet test schedules, flight operations, and program commitments.


Required qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field and 7+ years of relevant aerospace, aircraft test, or flight test experience; or 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 activities 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 with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail with 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.
  • Experience leading aircraft test planning and execution efforts across multiple programs or test events.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and technicians.
  • Experience coordinating test activities across engineering, manufacturing, operations, and customer stakeholders.
  • Ability to independently develop test strategies and provide technical leadership for complex integration and flight test campaigns


Preferred qualifications:

  • Active DoD Secret security clearance (current preferred) 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.


$140,000 - $210,000 a year

#LI-AD6

#LD

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

About Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company that develops artificially intelligent systems for military applications. The company was founded in 2015 by Brandon Tseng, Ryan Tseng, and Andrew Reiter, and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Shield AI's products include autonomous drones and software that can be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other military operations. The company's mission is to reduce the number of military casualties by providing soldiers with better intelligence and situational awareness. Shield AI has received funding from a number of investors, including Andreessen Horowitz and Founders Fund.
Learn more about Shield AI
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
2015

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