Skip to content

Staff Engineer, Test & Evaluation Engineer

San Diego, California
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

Staff Engineer, Test & Evaluation Engineer role is responsible for defining, planning, and executing all integration testing phases for XBAT. This includes developmental, functional, and qualification testing for flight vehicles, subsystems, and ground support equipment.

What you'll do:

  • Responsible for bringing up vehicle through functional testing and delivering the fully operational aircraft to the customer.
  • Define comprehensive functional, ground, and flight test plan.
  • Responsible for setting up ground support equipment and executing tests.
  • Scope and sequence all testing efforts.
  • The successful candidate will lead a multi-disciplinary test team, manage complex testing facilities, ensure compliance with industry standards, and drive the transition of new products from design to flight/operational readiness.

Required qualifications:

  • Proven experience with clean sheet design to first flight
  • Knowledge of test methodologies (e.g., DO-160, MIL-STD-810), instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and telemetry architecture.
  • Proven experience in successfully managing a full lifecycle test campaign, from component-level testing through to system-level Qualification or Type Certification
  • Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present complex technical findings to executive leadership and external regulatory boards.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Flight Test Experience: Prior experience as a Flight Test Engineer or Test Director for experimental or certificated aircraft/spacecraft is a significant asset.
  • Software Proficiency: Experience with test automation frameworks and data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, Minitab).
  • Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (if applicable to defense programs).
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

About Shield AI

Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company building autonomous AI systems for aircraft, drones, and intelligent mission software used in complex military environments. Founded in 2015, the company is best known for developing Hivemind, an AI pilot system that enables aircraft and drones to operate autonomously in contested and GPS-denied environments, supporting U.S. and allied defense missions.

For job seekers, Shield AI offers opportunities across advanced fields including artificial intelligence, robotics, software engineering, autonomy systems, aerospace engineering, embedded systems, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, AI researchers, and defense professionals who want to work on real-world autonomous systems that are actively being deployed in operational military scenarios.

Unlike traditional defense contractors, Shield AI operates with a startup-style engineering culture focused on rapid experimentation, real-world testing, and fast deployment of autonomous capabilities. Employees work on tightly integrated AI and robotics systems that combine perception, decision-making, and control, enabling platforms to operate without direct human input in highly complex environments.

As modern warfare increasingly shifts toward autonomous systems, distributed sensing, and AI-enabled decision-making, Shield AI continues to grow as one of the most prominent companies in next-generation defense technology. For professionals seeking to build cutting-edge autonomy systems with direct mission impact, Shield AI stands out as a leading employer in the defense innovation ecosystem.

Go to company profile