Principal Flight Test Engineer, Next Gen Aircraft (R4004) at Shield AI

Dallas, Texas, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, Defense, Autonomous SystemsIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent technical experience)
7+ years of experience in flight test or system test of advanced unmanned or manned aircraft systems
Experience with experimental fighter or Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) flight test programs or equivalent complex system integration
Demonstrated experience in control-room design, development, and operations, including test conduct, comms discipline, and real-time telemetry integration
Hands-on experience with flight-test instrumentation, telemetry configuration, and data-acquisition systems
Test and engineering experience in aerodynamics/performance, loads and dynamics, propulsion, or electrical systems
Proven ability to generate and execute flight-operations procedures, and develop mission scripts and test cards
Familiarity with flight-test risk management, pre-flight briefings, and structured post-flight debriefs
Strong analytical skills and proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for post-flight analysis
Working knowledge of military standards (e.g., MIL-STD-882E, MIL-STD-516C) and U.S. airspace regulations governing UAS operations
Excellent technical writing and communication skills across engineering, operations, and leadership audiences
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or ability to obtain)

Responsibilities

Serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) for next gen unmanned flight operations, ensuring strict adherence to safety and procedural standards
Lead end-to-end test campaigns - from planning and readiness reviews through mission execution, post-flight data analysis, and reporting
Design, document, and refine control-room infrastructure and flight-operations procedures to enhance mission efficiency and situational awareness
Support control-room operations, including console procedures, comms discipline, and coordination across flight, telemetry, and safety teams
Develop and maintain test plans, test cards, hazard analyses, and data-collection templates in coordination with engineering and test safety
Conduct real-time telemetry monitoring, anomaly identification, and flight-data validation
Perform post-flight analysis and debriefs, delivering concise, actionable findings to engineering, autonomy, and systems teams
Serve as test conductor during all mission events, managing test execution, crew communications, and dynamic re-tasking under time-critical conditions
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in test process, instrumentation, telemetry systems, and data architecture

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

UAS OperationsFlight TestingPilot in CommandTest Campaign PlanningData AnalysisTelemetryControl Room OperationsFlight ProceduresSafety StandardsComms DisciplineAI NavigationGPS-Denied Navigation

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What qualifications are required for the Principal Flight Test Engineer role?

Candidates need a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent), 7+ years of experience in flight test or system test of advanced unmanned or manned aircraft systems, and experience with experimental fighter or Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) flight test programs or equivalent complex system integration.

What is the salary or compensation for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this a remote position, or is there a location requirement?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What does the company culture or work environment look like at Shield AI?

Shield AI thrives in fast-moving environments with cross-functional collaboration, focusing on redefining autonomous aviation through cutting-edge AI technologies and protecting service members with intelligent systems.

What makes a strong candidate for this Flight Test Engineer position?

Strong candidates have a technical degree or equivalent, extensive flight test experience with advanced aircraft systems, and the ability to lead test campaigns while ensuring safety and collaborating across teams.

Shield AI

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

About Shield AI

Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems specifically for the defense industry. The company develops AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communication may not be available. This technology allows for safer and more efficient defense operations. Shield AI differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on advanced AI capabilities and securing significant contracts with government and military clients, such as the multi-billion dollar EWAAC contract. The company's goal is to enhance operational capabilities and safety in military contexts, ultimately aiming to protect lives through its innovative solutions.

San Diego, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2015Year Founded

$772.8MTotal Funding

DEBTCompany Stage

AI & Machine Learning, DefenseIndustries

501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Medical Insurance Coverage

Long Term Disability Insurance

Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA

Employee Assistance Program

Subsidized Gym Membership

Pet Insurance

Competitive Compensation

Retirement Services

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Bereavement Support

Flexible Work Hours

PTO

Paid Holidays

Commuter Benefits

Relaxed Dress Code

Yearly Swag Items

Unlimited Snacks

Bottomless Beverages

Annual Celebrations

Work From Home Benefits

Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors

Risks

Increased competition from companies like Waymo could divert investment from Shield AI.

Geopolitical tensions may challenge the JSW Defence partnership for V-BAT production in India.

Dependency on Palantir's infrastructure may limit Shield AI's operational flexibility.

Differentiation

Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI pilot deployed in combat since 2018.

Strategic partnerships with Palantir and JSW Defence enhance technological capabilities and market reach.

Shield AI's V-BAT drone is selected for a $198 million U.S. Coast Guard contract.

Upsides

Increased demand for autonomous systems in defense boosts Shield AI's market potential.

Successful multi-aircraft autonomous flight tests showcase advanced AI piloting capabilities.

Significant investment in robotics indicates a robust market for Shield AI's offerings.

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