Shield AI · 2 days ago
Staff Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer (R4379)
Wichita, Kansas Metropolitan Area
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$120K/yr - $190K/yr
2+ years expShield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. They are seeking a Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer to support the development and execution of instrumentation systems for their autonomous VTOL jet aircraft, X-BAT, ensuring high-quality data capture across various systems.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
Responsibilities
Design, integrate, and maintain flight test instrumentation systems including sensors, data acquisition hardware, telemetry links, harnessing, and ground station interfaces
Develop instrumentation architecture, sensor selection plans, wiring diagrams, and installation documentation in accordance with engineering standards
Support installation and calibration of sensors such as strain gauges, accelerometers, pressure transducers, temperature sensors, current/voltage taps, and position measurement devices
Configure and validate data acquisition systems including signal conditioning, synchronization, sampling rates, and data integrity verification
Perform pre-flight and post-flight data checks, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and traceability of all captured data
Troubleshoot instrumentation issues, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions under tight test timelines
Collaborate with Flight Test teams to define instrumentation requirements, test plans, and safety considerations
Manage instrumentation inventories, spares, tools, and calibration records
Support field deployments, remote test campaigns, and static engine/hover test operations
Contribute to continuous improvement of instrumentation processes and documentation
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
2+ years of experience in flight test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, or related hardware integration roles
Hands-on experience installing and configuring sensors, DAQs, wiring harnesses, and telemetry systems
Strong understanding of instrumentation standards, signal conditioning, sampling theory, and data synchronization
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, and system architectures
Proficiency with instrumentation tools and software (e.g., NI, Dewesoft, HBM, ICS, telemetry systems)
Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to operate in a fast-paced test environment
Excellent communication and documentation capabilities
Ability to support extended travel and remote test deployments as required
Preferred
Experience with developmental aircraft, flight test environments, or experimental test programs
Familiarity with IRIG time standards, PCM, Ethernet-based DAQ systems, and avionics data buses (ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, CAN, Ethernet)
Familiarity with Curtis Wright DAS Studio and IADS software
Experience applying strain gauges, thermal instrumentation, or structural measurement sensors
Background in propulsion or structural testing, including engine run and hover test instrumentation
Experience with environmental sealing, harness fabrication standards, and EMI/EMC considerations
Master's degree or higher in a related technical discipline
Benefits
Bonus
Benefits
Equity
Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Company
Shield AI
Shield AI is a deep-tech company that focuses on developing AI-powered systems to enhance the safety of service members and civilians.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Shield AI has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (3)
2021 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.31BKey Investors
Hercules CapitalUS Innovative Technology FundSnowpoint Ventures
2025-03-06Series F· $240M
2023-12-29Debt Financing· $200M
2023-10-31Series F· $300M
Leadership Team
Gary Steele
Chief Executive Officer
Brandon Tseng
Co-Founder
Recent News
Company data provided by crunchbase