principal software engineering Principal Engineer tech_leadership · Posted May 16, 2026
$120,000 – $190,000
USD per-year-salary
Skills
Testing

About this role

Shield AI is hiring a principal-level Principal Engineer in the software engineering function based in Wichita Metro Area. The posting calls out experience with Testing. Compensation is listed at $120,000–$190,000 per-year-salary.

Role
Principal Engineer
Function
software engineering
Level
principal
Track
Tech leadership
Employment
Full-time
Location
Wichita Metro Area
Department
Aircraft Operations Division
Posted
May 16, 2026

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Job description

from Shield AI careers
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. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube

Job Description:

Shield AI is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, analyze, and improve ground and flight test operations for a fast-paced next gen aircraft system. You will work closely across several segment owners of engineering, operations, autonomy, systems integration, product support, and manufacturing.  

What you'll do:

  • Develop, publish, and execute comprehensive flight test plans, procedures, cards, risk assessments, safety, and readiness reviews 
  • Support integration and test of aircraft systems, payloads, comms/data links, software, ground control systems, and mission equipment 
  • Lead and coordinate pre-flight, flight, and post-flight activities, including system configuration, instrumentation, telemetry, data collection and test reports 
  • Analyze ground and flight test data to identify performance trends, anomalies, root causes, and corrective actions 
  • Coordinate with engineering teams to validate requirements, troubleshoot issues, and mature system capabilities 
  • This is an excerpt. Read the full job description on Shield AI careers →
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