At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hands-on flight test campaigns for next-gen autonomous aircraft systems.
- Company: Join Shield AI, a deep-tech company on a mission to protect service members and civilians.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for international travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact in the future of autonomous aviation.
- Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in Aerospace or related field and 5+ years in test engineering.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
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 offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
As a Staff Flight Test Engineer, you will lead hands‑on flight test campaigns for next‑generation autonomous aircraft systems powered by Hivemind Mission Autonomy. You will operate at the intersection of systems engineering, test operations, and aerospace integration by designing, planning, and executing complex flight test activities on unmanned and optionally piloted platforms. Your work will directly influence the performance, safety, and reliability of cutting‑edge AI‑enabled flight systems deployed for mission‑critical applications. You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop test strategies, validate system requirements, and ensure flight readiness through rigorous verification, simulation, and flight testing. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives in fast‑paced environments, excels at technical leadership, and is motivated by achieving real‑world results that advance the future of autonomous aviation.
Required qualifications:
- Tertiary qualification in Aerospace, Electrical, Software Engineering or a related field
- Active RePL (ideally with multirotor and fixed wing endorsements up to 25kg) and experience conducting UAS operations
- Minimum of 5 years experience in test engineering, flight test operations, aerospace engineering or equivalent
- Demonstrated ability to plan, conduct and document structured flight test campaigns
- Experience in applying Systems Engineering practices
- Hands on experience with Software or Hardware in the Loop simulation environments and tools
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to support test events
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience in defense test programs, especially DT
Staff Engineer, Flight Test (R4914) employer: BlackCube Labs
At Shield AI, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters innovation and collaboration in the aerospace sector. Our dynamic work culture encourages professional growth through hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you will thrive in your career. Located in a vibrant environment with global reach, you'll have the unique opportunity to contribute to mission-critical projects that protect service members and civilians alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Staff Engineer, Flight Test (R4914)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the aerospace and defence sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your flight test projects and engineering achievements. This is a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience and technical leadership to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your systems engineering knowledge and flight test operations. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you tackled them. Real-world examples will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some exciting opportunities at Shield AI, and applying directly can give you a better chance of getting noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission!
We think you need these skills to ace Staff Engineer, Flight Test (R4914)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Staff Engineer role. Highlight your experience in flight test operations and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Shield AI!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about autonomous aviation and how your experience makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention specific projects or achievements that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to highlight your technical skills, especially those related to systems engineering and flight testing. We love seeing hands-on experience, so if you've worked with simulation environments or conducted structured flight tests, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Shield AI family!
How to prepare for a job interview at BlackCube Labs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of aerospace engineering and flight test operations. Familiarise yourself with Shield AI's products, like the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and understand how they integrate with Hivemind Mission Autonomy. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences in test engineering and flight test operations. Be ready to share specific examples of structured flight test campaigns you've planned and conducted. Highlight any hands-on experience with simulation environments, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Staff Flight Test Engineer, you'll need to exhibit strong technical leadership. Think of instances where you've led teams or projects, especially in fast-paced environments. Emphasise your ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and how you've influenced project outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Shield AI's future projects, especially regarding their autonomous systems. Inquire about the challenges they face in flight testing and how you can contribute to overcoming them. This shows your enthusiasm and strategic thinking.
