Senior Engineer, Flight Test (R5371)
On-siteSan Diego, California, United States
Job Summary
Develop and execute flight test plans validating new autonomy capabilities, software integrations, and system performance in real-world environments. Design test scenarios to reproduce operational workflows and identify defects, while building analysis tools to improve coverage and accelerate regression testing. Review flight logs, telemetry, and rosbags to triage issues, perform root-cause analysis, and collaborate with engineering teams to drive resolution. Provide technical guidance to junior engineers, establish testing standards, and maintain standard operating procedures to improve operational readiness. Requires FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and proficiency in Python and C++. Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
Required Qualifications
- Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 4 years and a Master's degree; or equivalent work experience.
- Proficiency in software quality engineering, test automation, and programming with Python and C++.
- Experience planning and executing field or flight testing for robotics, autonomous systems, or complex software platforms.
- Experience developing automated test tooling, validation frameworks, or data analysis tools.
- Demonstrated experience designing, documenting, executing, and tracking test plans, test cases, and software defects.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze flight logs, telemetry, and system behavior to identify root causes.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across software, hardware, product, and test organizations.
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or the ability to obtain one within a reasonable timeframe).
Desired Qualifications
- Experience using GenAI tools to improve engineering productivity or software quality.
- Experience with C++14/C++17, TypeScript, JSON, and modern software development practices.
- Experience with ROS.
- Proficiency with simulation tools and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing environments.
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines.
- Familiarity with networking, Linux operating systems, and radio communications.
- Experience testing autonomous aerial systems or other robotic platforms.
- Experience analyzing flight telemetry, sensor data, and autonomy behaviors.
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