← All roles

Flight Test Engineer, Staff (R6305)

Shield AI· Aircraft Operations Division – Flight Test X-BAT
Apply on company site
Wichita Metro Area$120k - $190kFull Time EmployeePosted 4d ago

About the role

Staff level flight test engineer position focused on developing, planning, executing, and analyzing ground and flight test operations for next-gen aircraft systems, with cross-functional collaboration across engineering, operations, autonomy, systems integration, product support, manufacturing, and customers.

Responsibilities

  • Develop, publish, and execute comprehensive flight test plans, procedures, cards, risk assessments, safety, and readiness reviews
  • Support integration and test of aircraft systems, payloads, comms/data links, software, ground control systems, and mission equipment
  • Lead and coordinate pre-flight, flight, and post-flight activities, including system configuration, instrumentation, telemetry, data collection and test reports
  • Analyze ground and flight test data to identify performance trends, anomalies, root causes, and corrective actions
  • Coordinate with engineering teams to validate requirements, troubleshoot issues, and mature system capabilities
  • Lead or participate in test range operations, safety briefings, go/no-go decisions, and test setup and logistics
  • Document test results, lessons learned, anomalies, and recommendations in clear technical reports
  • Support aircraft maintenance, configuration control, and system readiness
  • Create and improve flight test processes, tools, data workflows, and operational efficiency
  • Create and maintain ground and air operating limitations requirements
  • Travel to test sites, customer locations, and field exercises as required

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM Degree)
  • 8+ years of experience with developmental and/or operational ground and flight test, unmanned/manned aircraft systems, aircraft integration, or aerospace systems engineering
  • Strong understanding of aircraft systems, flight dynamics, avionics, telemetry, sensors, or control systems
  • Proven ability to write and execute structured test plans, procedures, and reports
  • Strong troubleshooting skills in field and/or lab environments
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work across engineering and operations teams
  • Willingness to travel and work outdoors, fields, or test range environments
  • Overtime and weekend coverage as required
  • U.S. Citizenship Only with In-Scope active Secret clearance required to start

Skills

Required:Flight test planning and executionData analysis and interpretationSystems integration and troubleshootingTechnical documentationCross-functional collaborationField/off-site workCommunication

Benefits

  • Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
  • Salary compensation is influenced by skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and location
  • Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Last updated Oct 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Shield AI

Autonomy for the world.

Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.

AerospaceAutonomyDefenseliquid-ai-recruiting-targetsetter-30setter-30-2026-q1
Company profileWebsite

More open roles at Shield AI