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Posted November 3, 2026, closed November 15, 2026. Check out similar open roles below.

Senior Engineer, Production Test (R6513)

Shield AI
Seattle, WA
On-site

Who this role is best for

Aerospace professionals with test execution experience and a safety-first mindset will find this production test role at Shield AI, which emphasizes cross-functional collaboration and adherence to military-grade standards.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with aerospace test experience and a proven ability to manage test requirements across development cycles
    — “Manage and maintain traceability of test requirements throughout system development, integration, and test execution phases.”
  • Individuals who thrive in collaborative environments and have a history of working with engineering and quality teams
    — “Collaborate closely with Test Engineering, Quality Engineering, and cross-functional teams to resolve issues, implement corrective actions, and improve test processes.”
  • Professionals with a background in aircraft integration and validation in production settings
    — “Hands-on experience supporting aircraft integration, test, and validation activities in a production or manufacturing environment.”

Things to consider

  • The role requires a DoD Secret clearance, which may delay hiring or disqualify non-eligible candidates.
    — “Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance and any required program access.”
  • Non-standard hours and potential weekend work are expected to meet program commitments.
    — “Support extended work hours, shift work, and weekend operations as required to meet test schedules, flight operations, and program commitments.”

How to stand out

  • Highlight your experience with test procedures and their continuous improvement in your resume and interviews.
    — “Develop, maintain, and continuously improve test procedures to enhance accuracy, efficiency, repeatability, and overall execution quality.”
  • Emphasize your ability to troubleshoot complex avionics and system integration issues during testing.
    — “Ability to troubleshoot complex aircraft, avionics, and system integration issues during test activities.”
  • Showcase your experience with UAV/UAS systems, especially if you have worked with Group 5 platforms.
    — “Experience supporting Group 5 UAS/UAV launch, recovery, and flight operations.”
  • Demonstrate your ability to work in cross-functional teams and communicate effectively.
    — “Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.”
  • Include any prior work in aircraft maintenance or lab-based testing of aircraft systems.
    — “Experience conducting laboratory-based testing, verification, and validation of aircraft systems, subsystems, or components.”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • manage test requirements throughout system development
  • coordinate test schedules
  • develop and manage test procedures
Typical background
5+ years of aerospace test experienceBachelor's degree in Engineering

Skills & requirements

Required

Test Requirements ManagementTest PlanningTest ExecutionTest Anomaly InvestigationCross-functional Collaboration

Preferred

UAV Test PlanningFlight Test Execution

Stack & domain

Aerospace EngineeringFlight TestTest PlanningTest ExecutionCommunicationTeamworkProblem SolvingAerospaceEngineering

About the role

Original posting from Shield AI via Lever

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and 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. 

What You'll Do::

  • Manage and maintain traceability of test requirements throughout system development, integration, and test execution phases.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute aircraft/lab test execution activities, including pre-test readiness reviews, test conduct, data collection, and post-test reporting.
  • Coordinate test schedules and support comprehensive test planning activities to ensure alignment with program milestones and objectives.
  • Develop and manage test event sequencing and execution plans throughout the aircraft build and integration lifecycle.
  • Coordinate and oversee ground and flight test execution activities, ensuring adherence to approved procedures, safety requirements, and program objectives.
  • Ensure test activities, methodologies, and deliverables align with engineering, mission, and program requirements.
  • Participate in Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), test planning meetings, and pre-test briefings to support successful test execution.
  • Develop, maintain, and continuously improve test procedures to enhance accuracy, efficiency, repeatability, and overall execution quality.
  • Investigate, troubleshoot, and evaluate test anomalies, discrepancies, and system performance issues to support timely resolution.
  • Collaborate closely with Test Engineering, Quality Engineering, and cross-functional teams to resolve issues, implement corrective actions, and improve test processes.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing test efficiency, execution quality, and operational effectiveness.
  • Support extended work hours, shift work, and weekend operations as required to meet test schedules, flight operations, and program commitments.

Required Qualifications::

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field and 5+ years of relevant aerospace, aircraft test, or flight test experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience planning, executing, and reporting on test activities for UAV, UAS, or manned aircraft systems.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and understand engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.
  • Experience developing aircraft test plans, test procedures, and test documentation for new or modified aircraft systems.
  • Hands-on experience supporting aircraft integration, test, and validation activities in a production or manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex aircraft, avionics, and system integration issues during test activities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail with a proactive, safety-focused approach to testing and operations.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance and any required program access.
  • Willingness to work non-standard hours, including evenings and weekends, as required to support program objectives.
  • Ability to travel domestically to support flight test and customer site activities.

Preferred Qualifications::

  • Active DoD Secret security clearance (current preferred) with eligibility to support special access programs.
  • Experience supporting Group 5 UAS/UAV launch, recovery, and flight operations.
  • Hands-on experience with aircraft avionics systems, integration, troubleshooting, and testing.
  • Aircraft maintenance experience supporting military, commercial, or unmanned aircraft platforms.
  • Experience conducting laboratory-based testing, verification, and validation of aircraft systems, subsystems, or components.

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.

Source: Shield AI careers (Lever)

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