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Shield AI

Robot type
Drone · Defense
Location
San DiegoCaliforniaUSA
Job type
Business Operations
Posted
Aug 5, 2026
Salary
$170,000–$250,000 a year
Full-time

Senior Staff Engineer, Test Director (R5445)

Job description

As a Staff Flight Test Engineer / Test Director , you will serve as the end-to-end Test Director for the integration, verification, and flight test of Hivemind Mission Autonomy on small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) . You will own the technical direction, execution, and readiness of test campaigns, applying a fly–fix–fly methodology to rapidly mature autonomy capabilities from simulation and lab environments through flight.

In this role, you are the single technical authority for test execution —responsible for determining test readiness, directing test conduct, managing risk, and ensuring data-driven decisions throughout development and flight test operations.

Job responsibilities

  • Act as Test Director for system-level integration and flight test campaigns of Hivemind Mission Autonomy on small UAS and external platforms
  • Own test readiness decisions , including entry/exit criteria for lab, simulation, ground, and flight test phases
  • Plan, direct, and execute fly–fix–fly test campaigns , ensuring rapid iteration while maintaining disciplined configuration control and safety
  • Define and enforce test strategy , including system-level verification and validation, test phasing, and prioritization of objectives
  • Direct cross-functional test execution , coordinating across various engineering disciplines and test operators.
  • Determine test infrastructure requirements , including SIL, HIL, simulation environments, flight test assets, and automated test pipelines
  • Approve and oversee test procedures , test cards, and execution plans, serving as the final authority during test conduct
  • Define performance metrics and success criteria , ensuring test data is actionable and traceable to requirements and mission outcomes

Job requirements

  • 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 , including 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, with the ability to manage complex, fast-paced test campaigns
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including briefing technical status to leadership and customers
  • Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and commitment to high standards while fostering a collaborative, respectful team environment
  • Working knowledge of DoD DT&E and OT&E processes and documentation expectations
Apply on Shield AI websiteSave

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