Job Description:
At Shield AI, we develop cutting-edge autonomous aircraft systems that are actively deployed in real-world operations to protect service members and civilians. As we expand our test capabilities, we're hiring a Flight Test Engineering Manager to lead and scale our flight test operations—driving hands-on execution while mentoring a high-performing team.
In this hybrid role, you’ll split your time between strategic leadership and direct technical contribution. You’ll oversee a growing team of Flight Test Engineers (FTEs), guide test strategy, and roll up your sleeves to plan, execute, and analyze critical test campaigns. Your work will directly influence the safety, reliability, and performance of some of the world’s most advanced autonomous aircraft.
If you're ready to lead from the front—both in the field and in the lab—this is your opportunity to make a deep and immediate impact.
What you'll do:
Lead, mentor, and manage a team of 4–6 mission-driven Flight Test Engineers across multiple test sites and programs. Own the test strategy and execution for our V-BAT UAV and other autonomous platforms—from lab validation through full system flight test. Serve as the technical authority and Test Director for critical campaigns, overseeing test readiness, real-time mission execution, risk assessments, and safety protocols. Oversee detailed test plans, procedures, and schedules for developmental and operational flight testing. Collaborate cross-functionally with subsystem leads across autonomy, avionics, GNC, mechanical, and systems to define test objectives and translate them into executable plans. Establish and track performance metrics to optimize team efficiency and reduce test cycle time. Drive data-driven engineering by building out telemetry pipelines, post-flight analysis workflows, and robust reporting standards. Ensure adherence to all relevant safety and airworthiness processes, as well as FAA and DoD regulatory requirements. Approve and manage key test documentation including test plans, readiness reviews, hazard analyses, and final reports. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and technical rigor in test methodology. Support verification and qualification efforts including SIL/HIL, FAT, and customer-facing documentation. Guide incident response and root cause analysis processes in the event of anomalies or failures. Represent the Flight Test team in technical reviews, leadership forums, and external stakeholder engagements.
Required qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field. 8+ years of system-level flight test experience, with at least 2+ years in a technical leadership or management role. Demonstrated ability to lead complex flight test programs for UAVs or autonomous aerospace systems. Experience with full-lifecycle test development—planning, execution, analysis, and reporting. Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills across engineering and operations teams. Working knowledge of flight instrumentation, telemetry systems, and post-processing tools. Experience with military or FAA-certified flight test environments is highly desirable. Excellent leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills.
Preferred qualifications:
Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or equivalent scripting for automation and analysis. Familiarity with MIL-STD-810, DO-160, or other aerospace test and qualification standards. Experience with UAS (uncrewed aircraft systems) or autonomy-heavy flight platforms. Operational knowledge of FAA Part 107 or experience as a UAV pilot. Familiarity with test range operations, safety-critical systems, and real-time mission decision-making. Background in early-stage prototyping, hardware bring-up, or field integration in high-growth environments. Ability to thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with rapidly shifting priorities. 
