Staff UAS Flight Test Operator - 5793

The role

Lead system-level flight test campaigns for Hivemind Mission Autonomy on small UAS and external platforms. Plan and run missions, verify pre-release HivemindSDK versions, and report defects and feedback to product and engineering teams.

What you will do

• Lead system-level flight test campaigns for Hivemind Mission Autonomy across multi-rotor, fixed-wing and external UAS, including fly–fix–fly operations
• Plan and conduct missions per approved test plans, test cards, configuration requirements, release criteria and safety procedures
• Operate, configure, inspect and maintain UAS, payloads, ground control systems, communications equipment and test infrastructure
• Test pre-release HivemindSDK versions against product and quality requirements
• Develop and run customer workflows and mission scenarios, including multi-agent configurations
• Document test results, defects, anomalies and regressions; give actionable feedback to product, software, systems, autonomy and quality teams
• Lead risk assessments, crew briefings, ground checks, launch and recovery, and post-flight debriefs
• Monitor telemetry and system status, collect flight data and support initial anomaly investigation
• Establish and maintain SOPs, test procedures, checklists and operational standards
• Mentor flight test personnel and communicate test status and risks

Required qualifications

• 8+ years operating, configuring and maintaining Group 1/2 UAS platforms in test, military, commercial or operational environments
• Experience leading complex UAS flight operations, including mission planning, test-card execution and crew briefings
• Strong knowledge of COTS UAS hardware, autopilot systems, payloads, ground control stations, communications systems and test equipment
• Experience assessing operational readiness and maintaining configuration control
• Experience developing and executing SOPs, checklists, risk assessments and hazard mitigations
• Working knowledge of National Airspace System operations, airspace coordination and flight authorization
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate holder

Nice to have

• Experience supporting autonomy, AI-enabled systems or developmental flight test, especially multi-aircraft or distributed UAS operations
• Experience supporting test progression across simulation, software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, ground and flight test
• Hands-on fabrication and integration of mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, wiring harnesses, avionics and payloads
• Proficiency with ArduPilot, PX4, QGroundControl and Mission Planner; working knowledge of Linux, IP networking, MAVLink, ROS/ROS 2 or scripting
• Military UAS operations or support for DoD developmental or operational testing and customer demonstrations

Benefits

• Full-time regular employees: bonus, benefits and equity, in addition to pay within the listed range
• Temporary employees: a temporary benefits package, applicable after 60 days of employment

Before you apply

• Offers are contingent on a cleared background check and possible reference check
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.