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, visitwww.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI onLinkedIn,X,Instagram, andYouTube.

Job Description:

As aStaff Flight Test Engineer / Test Director, you will serve as theend-to-end Test Directorfor the integration, verification, and flight test ofHivemind Mission Autonomyonsmall Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). You will own thetechnical direction, execution, and readinessof test campaigns, applying afly–fix–fly methodologyto rapidly mature autonomy capabilities from simulation and lab environments through flight.
In this role, you are thesingle technical authority for test execution—responsible for determining test readiness, directing test conduct, managing risk, and ensuring data-driven decisions throughout development and flight test operations. You will lead cross-functional teams across engineering, safety, and program management, aligning stakeholders around clear objectives, disciplined execution, and continuous learning.
What you'll do:

Act as Test Directorfor system-level integration and flight test campaigns of Hivemind Mission Autonomy on small UAS and external platforms
Own test readiness decisions, including entry/exit criteria for lab, simulation, ground, and flight test phases
Plan, direct, and execute fly–fix–fly test campaigns, ensuring rapid iteration while maintaining disciplined configuration control and safety
Define and enforce test strategy, including system-level verification and validation, test phasing, and prioritization of objectives
Direct cross-functional test execution, coordinating across various engineering disciplines and test operators.
Determine test infrastructure requirements, including SIL, HIL, simulation environments, flight test assets,



and automated test pipelines
Approve and oversee test procedures, test cards, and execution plans, serving as the final authority during test conduct
Define performance metrics and success criteria, ensuring test data is actionable and traceable to requirements and mission outcomes
Lead flight test risk assessments, hazard analyses, and mitigation planning; enforce safety-of-flight discipline during operations
Serve as primary test interfaceto internal leadership, customers, and external stakeholders, providing clear reporting on test progress, results, and risks
Establish test standards, SOPs, and best practicesaligned with industry and DoD DT&E;/OT&E; expectations
Document test results, anomalies, corrective actions, and lessons learned, driving continuous improvement across autonomy flight test efforts
Support travel to test sites, customer events, and integration activities as required
Perform other duties as assigned
Required qualifications:

B.S. degree in a STEM discipline (Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field)
7+ years of experience insystem integration and test, including SIL, HIL, simulation, and flight test environments
Demonstrated experienceleading test execution, including authority over test conduct, readiness, and risk decisions
Strong background working cross-functionally with systems engineering, software, hardware, safety, and program management teams
Highly organized and methodical, with the ability to manage complex, fast-paced test campaigns
Robust written and verbal communication skills, including briefing technical status to leadership and customers
Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and commitment to high standards while fostering a collaborative,



respectful team environment
Preferred qualifications:

Working knowledge ofDoD DT&E; and OT&Eprocesses; and documentation expectations
Direct experience withsmall UAS, autonomy, or robotic flight test operations
Prior role asTest Director, Test Conductor, or Lead Flight Test Engineer
Experience operating withinDoD software and hardware laboratoriesor government flight test ranges
Familiarity with safety-of-flight processes, hazard analysis, and configuration control in flight test environments
$170,000 - $250,000 a year
#LI-LD1
#LE

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.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

📌 Senior Staff Engineer, Test Director (Delhi)
🏢 Shieldai
📍 Delhi