Senior Engineer, Production Test (R6513)

The role

This senior role plans, coordinates and runs ground and flight tests on aircraft and lab systems, from test readiness reviews through post-test reporting. It also covers test procedures, anomaly investigation and continuous improvement with engineering and quality teams.

What you will do

• Manage traceability of test requirements through development, integration and test execution.
• Plan, coordinate and execute aircraft and lab test activities, including readiness reviews, data collection and reporting.
• Coordinate test schedules aligned with program milestones.
• Develop and manage test event sequencing and execution plans across the aircraft build lifecycle.
• Coordinate ground and flight test execution to approved procedures and safety requirements.
• Take part in Test Readiness Reviews, planning meetings and pre-test briefings.
• Develop, maintain and improve test procedures.
• Investigate and troubleshoot test anomalies and system performance issues.
• Work with Test Engineering and Quality Engineering to implement corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement in test efficiency and quality.

Required qualifications

• 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 engineering drawings, schematics and technical documentation.
• Experience developing aircraft test plans, procedures and documentation.
• 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.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail with a safety-focused approach.
• 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.
• Ability to travel domestically to support flight test and customer site activities.

Nice to have

• Active DoD Secret security clearance, with eligibility for 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 on military, commercial or unmanned platforms.
• Experience with laboratory-based testing, verification and validation of aircraft systems or components.

Benefits

• Bonus for full-time regular employees.
• Benefits for full-time regular employees.
• Equity for full-time regular employees.
• Temporary benefits package applicable after 60 days of employment for temporary employees.

Before you apply

• Offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance is required.
• 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.