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Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Engineer / Test Director to serve as the end-to-end technical authority for integration, verification, and flight test of Hivemind Mission Autonomy on small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). In this role, 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 operational flight testing.
You will be the single technical authority responsible for determining test readiness, directing test conduct, managing risk, and ensuring data-driven decision-making throughout development and flight test operations. This includes leading cross-functional teams spanning engineering, safety, and program management, aligning stakeholders around clear objectives, disciplined execution, and continuous learning.
Key responsibilities include:
- Directing end-to-end test campaigns for autonomous systems integration and verification
- Establishing and maintaining test readiness criteria and risk management protocols
- Conducting flight test operations with emphasis on rapid iteration and capability maturation
- Leading technical teams across multiple disciplines (engineering, safety, program management)
- Making autonomous authority decisions on test execution and go/no-go determinations
- Ensuring data-driven approaches to autonomy development and validation
- Managing the transition of capabilities from simulation and lab environments to field operations
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company protecting service members and civilians with intelligent autonomous systems. The company develops Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft platforms, and Aechelon simulation technologies, with operations globally across the U.S., Europe, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
