Senior Staff Engineer, Test Director (R5446)

The role

You will act as the end-to-end Test Director for integrating and flight testing Hivemind Mission Autonomy on Unmanned Aircraft Systems. You will own test readiness, direct fly–fix–fly test campaigns, and lead cross-functional teams.

What you will do

• Act as Test Director for system-level integration and flight test campaigns of Hivemind Mission Autonomy on UAS and external platforms
• Own test readiness decisions, including entry and exit criteria for lab, simulation, ground and flight test phases
• Plan, direct and execute fly–fix–fly test campaigns with configuration control and safety
• Define and enforce test strategy, including verification and validation and test phasing
• Direct cross-functional test execution across engineering disciplines and test operators
• Determine test infrastructure needs, including SIL, HIL, simulation and flight test assets
• Approve and oversee test procedures, test cards and execution plans
• Define performance metrics and success criteria traceable to requirements
• Lead flight test risk assessments, hazard analyses and safety-of-flight discipline
• Serve as primary test interface to leadership, customers and external stakeholders

Required qualifications

• B.S. degree in a STEM discipline (Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field)
• 7+ years of experience in system integration and test, including SIL, HIL, simulation and flight test environments
• Demonstrated experience leading test execution, with authority over test conduct, readiness and risk decisions
• Strong background working cross-functionally with systems engineering, software, hardware, safety and program management teams
• Highly organized and methodical, able to manage complex, fast-paced test campaigns
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including briefing leadership and customers
• Demonstrated integrity, accountability and commitment to high standards

Nice to have

• Working knowledge of DoD DT&E and OT&E processes and documentation
• Direct experience with UAS, autonomy or robotic flight test operations
• Prior role as Test Director, Test Conductor or Lead Flight Test Engineer
• Experience operating within DoD software and hardware laboratories or government flight test ranges
• Familiarity with safety-of-flight processes, hazard analysis and configuration control in flight test

Benefits

• Bonus
• Benefits package
• Equity (full-time regular employees)
• Temporary benefits package after 60 days (temporary employees)

Before you apply

• All offers are contingent on a cleared background 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.