Chief Test Pilot (R2911)

Job Description

Introduction to Shield AI

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown a fighter jet (F-16), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (V-BAT), and a quadcopter (Nova). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies. 

Job Description:

Joining Shield AI means embarking on a great adventure. You will help define the possible, fostering personal growth, forging lifelong friendships, and making a profound impact on the lives of service members and civilians worldwide. The heart of Shield AI is our people. Your success is our success, and together, we advance a noble mission. 

In this role, you’ll join a high-performing, cross-functional team dedicated to crafting next-generation capabilities. The Chief Test Pilot will contribute to unmanned aviation test campaigns as a subject matter expert, with a focus on AI integration and research and development. You will help ensure collaboration between design teams and operations, operator safety, and achievability of test objectives. You’ll focus on Group 3 and 5 aircraft, uniquely modified to tackle autonomous tasks.

What You’ll Do:

• Design our flight test strategy, informing designs, data capture and tools
• Supervise the planning of best-in-class ground and flight tests
• Develop and ensure standardized and safe flight test procedures are being followed
• Provide design teams with invaluable operational perspective and support

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum ten (10) years of aviation experience 
• Minimum of 1,500 flight hours required 
• Secret Clearance required 
• Candidate must be able to organize and demonstrate effective oral and written communications and operate in a dynamic and fast-paced team environment 
• Candidate must be able to operate effectively at remote work sites without direct supervision 
• Candidate must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and similar computer-based productivity applications 
• Candidate must be able to pass the physical and training qualification requirements to provide contract aircrew support, including an annual FAA Class II flight physical 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required and Engineering/Technical Degree preferred 
• A graduate of a full-length course of instruction from a recognized test pilot school (e.g., the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Empire Test Pilot School, EPNER Test Pilot School, etc.) is preferred 
• Current aircraft qualification and recent experience with mission systems T&E techniques, concepts, principles, and practices preferred 

#LI-JM1

#LE

Total package details for U.S. based positions:

– Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

– Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days

of employment)

– Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity

Total package details for International based positions (where applicable):

– International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer

allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.

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.

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.