Test & Evaluation Engineering Lead (R4356)
Shield AI
San Diego, CA, USA
USD 170k-250k / year + Equity
Posted on Jan 7, 2026
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
Test & Evaluation lead role is responsible for defining, planning, and executing all integration testing phases for XBAT. This includes developmental, operational, and qualification testing for flight vehicles, subsystems, and ground support equipment.
What you'll do:
- 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).
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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.
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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.
170000 - 250000 USD a year