Staff Engineer, Flight Test (R6064)

Washington, D.C. · USD 140,000-210,000 / year · 6+ years experience · Onsite · Posted Sep 24, 2026

At a glance

Shield AI is seeking a Staff Engineer, Flight Test to develop and execute detailed integration and flight test plans supporting program verification.
The role involves coordinating readiness across simulation environments, integration laboratories, aircraft, and flight test assets.

Develop and execute detailed integration and flight test plans that support the overall program verification and test strategy across simulation, SIL, HIL, ground, and flight test environments
Coordinate readiness of simulation environments, integration laboratories, aircraft, and flight test assets required to execute program objectives
Apply aviation knowledge, aircraft performance and operational mission understanding to develop safe, efficient, and operationally relevant integration and flight test plans
Define test objectives, performance metrics, and success criteria, ensuring traceability from requirements to test outcomes and operational capability
Lead and support aircraft integration and flight test activities, including system configuration, software integration, mission planning, real-time troubleshooting, flight execution support, and post-flight data analysis
Coordinate with platform OEMs, government ranges, and flight operations personnel to establish test readiness criteria and ensure technical and safety requirements are satisfied prior to test execution
Coordinate cross-functional execution across software, hardware, systems engineering, flight operations, safety, and program leadership teams
Evaluate test results, identify technical issues, and recommend corrective actions to improve system performance and accelerate capability maturation

Demonstrated experience planning, conducting, and evaluating flight test of aircraft systems in military or defense aviation environments
Strong understanding of safety-of-flight principles, risk management, and disciplined test execution in aviation environments
Demonstrated understanding of aircraft performance, flight operations, and environmental effects influencing aircraft mission planning, test execution, and safety
Experience with system-level verification & validation across multiple test environments (SIL, HIL, simulation, and flight)
Experience working cross-functionally across software, hardware, avionics, systems engineering, safety, and program teams
Experience with scripting or software tools (Python preferred) for test automation, data analysis, or system validation
Ability to effectively communicate with pilots, operators, and engineers to develop executable flight test objectives, mission plans, and risk mitigations
Excellent technical leadership and communication skills, including briefing to program leadership and external customers
Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance; U.S. citizenship required

Military aviation experience as aircrew, flight test engineer, mission systems operator, or engineer supporting military aircraft development or test programs
Prior role as Flight Test Director, Test Conductor, or Lead Flight Test Engineer on full-scale aircraft programs
Understanding of military air operations, mission planning, and Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) supporting autonomous aircraft employment
Experience supporting Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP), loyal wingman concepts, or multi-vehicle autonomous systems
Familiarity with DoD acquisition and developmental test processes
Experience operating in or supporting government flight test ranges and operational environments
Background in autonomy, AI/ML-enabled systems, or human-machine teaming in aviation contexts
Experience with airworthiness processes, flight clearance, and configuration control for aircraft systems