Senior Staff Engineer, Test Director

About the role

Shield AI operates as a venture-backed defense technology firm with the core mission of safeguarding military personnel and noncombatants through advanced intelligent platforms. The organization develops Hivemind autonomy software alongside V-BAT and X-BAT aerial vehicles, plus Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality systems. With offices and facilities spanning the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, the company ensures its technology actively supports operations worldwide. This position serves as the end-to-end Test Director responsible for integrating, verifying, and flight testing Hivemind Mission Autonomy on small unmanned aircraft systems. You will guide technical direction, execution, and campaign readiness using a fly-fix-fly approach to advance autonomy from virtual environments to actual flight operations. Your primary responsibility involves overseeing the entire test lifecycle to ensure that autonomous capabilities meet stringent performance and safety standards.

Key facts

What you'll do

Serve as the end-to-end Test Director for Hivemind Mission Autonomy integration on small unmanned aircraft systems.

Own the complete technical direction and execution of test campaigns for integration and verification activities.

Determine test readiness before directing any test conduct to ensure safe and effective operations.

Apply a fly-fix-fly methodology to rapidly mature autonomy capabilities from simulation and lab settings.

Oversee flight test operations that transition autonomous systems from controlled environments to real-world conditions.

Act as the single technical authority for all test execution decisions throughout the program lifecycle.

Manage risk across development and flight test operations to protect personnel and valuable assets.

Ensure all decisions rely on data-driven analysis rather than assumptions or unverified methods.

Lead cross-functional teams spanning engineering, safety, and program management disciplines during critical test phases.

Align stakeholders around clear objectives, disciplined execution, and continuous learning from every single test event.

Direct the verification processes that validate Hivemind software performance against established mission requirements.

Coordinate with program management to establish testing schedules and resource allocation for upcoming campaigns.

Facilitate the transition of mature autonomy capabilities from controlled laboratory settings into live flight environments.

Establish clear testing objectives and ensure all team members understand their specific responsibilities during campaigns.

Review all test data thoroughly to confirm that autonomy behaviors align with predefined mission parameters and safety constraints.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience directing flight test campaigns for autonomous systems or unmanned aircraft platforms.

Deep understanding of integration and verification processes for mission autonomy software development.

Proven ability to act as the single technical authority for complex test execution.

Familiarity with applying iterative methodologies to mature technology from simulation to flight.

Strong background in managing risk and making data-driven decisions during development operations.

Experience leading cross-functional teams across engineering, safety, and program management functions effectively.

Knowledge of small unmanned aircraft systems and their specific operational environments.

Ability to align diverse stakeholders around clear objectives and disciplined execution standards.

Extensive background in flight test operations and the associated regulatory compliance frameworks.

Capacity to direct test conduct while maintaining rigorous safety protocols at all times.

Comfort with frequent travel and extended periods on-site at various flight test ranges and facilities.

Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting test results and presenting findings to leadership.

Ability to communicate complex technical findings clearly to both engineering specialists and non-technical program stakeholders.

Nice to have

Prior exposure to Hivemind autonomy software or similar artificial intelligence platforms for aerial vehicles.

Experience with V-BAT or X-BAT aircraft and their specific flight characteristics and handling.

Familiarity with Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies for comprehensive test preparation.

Background working within venture-backed defense technology organizations that support global operations worldwide.

Understanding of how intelligent systems actively support military and civilian protection missions globally.

Skills & tools

Hivemind autonomy software architecture and mission planning frameworks for unmanned systems.

V-BAT and X-BAT unmanned aircraft system platforms and their associated hardware components.

Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technology suites used for virtual testing.

Flight test instrumentation and data acquisition systems specifically designed for small UAS.

Integration and verification methodologies for autonomous software stacks in rigorous environments.

Cross-functional team leadership and technical stakeholder management practices across diverse groups.

Data-driven decision-making tools and risk management frameworks for flight operations.

Practical notes

This role requires coordination with offices and facilities located across the United States.

Candidates must be prepared to travel to various domestic and international test sites regularly.

Shield AI maintains a physical presence in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific regions.

The technology developed here actively supports military and civilian operations around the globe.

Full time employee status is required for this position without remote work arrangements.

Regular engagement with engineering, safety, and program management teams is expected on a daily basis.

Employees collaborate across multiple continents to deliver intelligent systems that protect service members and civilians.

The work environment demands strict adherence to safety protocols and meticulous documentation of all test data.